May 17th - Happy birthday, Norway!

On this day, the Norwegian people congratulate themselves on their birthday and turn it into a huge party. Actually…

Preparations began several days, even weeks, ago. In kindergartens, pictures with the national flag were painted and crafted, Norwegian flags are hanging everywhere, and children are rehearsing for their performances. They're trying to make everything as great as possible.

This is noticeable in the morning. They would start with a big breakfast, together with friends and neighbors. Everyone would bring something, from homemade bread to smoked salmon.

Afterwards, they would put on their national costume, the bunad, which is different in each region and every Norwegian has at least one in their closet.

Together, they would go to the children's parade, where children wave flags or the marching bands play. After a long march through the whole village, the children would fill their stomachs with ice cream and hot dogs would also be included! Meanwhile, the mayor would give a speech in front of the gathered crowd.

Now the Norwegians have been asked to celebrate at home, the mayor's speech is being streamed. And when everyone stands in their garden, the national anthem can resound. Maybe we can hear it from here :) In my mentor's village, the marching band played (like a music band), with distance and in front of landmark places in the village, so that everyone could experience it.

In recent years, some Norwegians also traveled to Oslo specifically to attend the parade there and possibly catch a glimpse of the royal couple.

This day is also special for the graduating classes. They would end their weeks-long celebration here and participate in the children's procession in their russ suits, which are predominantly red at my school - or ride in their specially modified station wagons - while handing out business cards ("russ cards") to the children with funny sayings on them.

This year, many of these russ traditions could not take place, but nonetheless, every graduating student at my school was knighted by the principal and then baptized with their (funny) russ name.

But why do Norwegians celebrate their national day on May 17th?

After the confusion caused by the wars with Napoleon, Norway gained its independence for a short time. The Norwegian Constitution was signed in Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814, which still applies today. After that, Norway entered into a union with Sweden.

And how do you celebrate if you're not in Norway?

With Norwegian apple cake ("eplekake"), a hike, and a little fishing - just typical Norwegian things. And at 12:30 pm, we eagerly watched the mayor's speech, which was streamed on Facebook - of course, with the Norwegian flag waving.

Many thanks to my mentor, who allowed me to participate in the celebration through some pictures, and of course to the local municipality, which kindly streamed many things on Facebook. Also to my Norwegian acquaintances, who diligently supplied me with videos.

In this spirit:

HIPP HIPP HURRA! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NORWAY!