The May 17th celebrations - Constitution Day

Category: Ramblings | Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 5:07 pm

On this day in 1814 the Norwegian Constitution was signed at Eidsvoll, and the celebration of the Constitution Day started a couple of years after this. Our poet Henrik Wergeland is awarded the honour of having organized the first children's parade around 1820. Since we were under Swedish rule at the time, the celebrations weren't very big or organized, because the King just didn't like it at all and tried to curb them.

In 1864, the first big children's parade took place in then Christiania (now Oslo), and May 17th has been saluted, paraded and celebrated all over the country and even abroad ever after, barring the years between 1940 and 1945. Liberation Day is May 8th, and we mark the day by flying flags, but it's not a national holiday. That's reserved for May 17th.

I'd like to tell you about how we celebrate around here. We decorate the houses with birch twig bouquets and flags, and many have planted up a pot or two in red, white and blue. The day starts at 07.00 when we're shook out of bed by the early morning salutes up in the surrounding mountains. Then the brass bands divide themselves up into smaller units and Ã‚Â«play the day inÃ‚Â» on different locations in their community. We didn't have any music here last year, so maybe we'll have some this year.

The TV-coverage of the big parade in Oslo starts early too, and we usually leave the TV on to listen to the music, hear the children cheering and to check out what the Royals are wearing this year. There are also reports from other places in Norway, to show what their day is like, both weatherwise and celebration-wise. Since Norway is very long, the temps might be summer-like to the south and the snow plow might lead the parade furthest north.

We get the national costumes ready days before. The special blouses are given a wash and iron, and the costumes are aired out and brushed. The silver accessories might also need a bit of attention. When the time for our school parade is nearing, we put on our finery and stroll over to line up. All primary schools organize their own parade in the afternoon. Some of the schools also participate in the big morning parade in town before heading home to their own parade.

Back to the line-up. First and foremost, the big flags carried by men and women from the community who's been helping to arrange the parade. Then the kindergartens from the area flying their own banners, then the school brass band, and then the primary school children neatly divided up into classes, and every adult and child not otherwise occupied carry their own little flag. The children also carry different noisy toys, no May 17th without a small trumpet! And finally, the rest of the community join in and make up the tail end of the parade. Then we all walk from the primary school to the high school, singing, cheering and shouting all the way. It's not very far, but it's nearing an hour to get there because of all the people in that parade.

Foreign guests comment about how our celebrations differ from other nations' celebrations. We've got no military parade, no show of arms, very little political talk, and everything's focused around the children and having fun. The Royal Guard is allowed to participate in Oslo, but they only show their drill and marching skills. After the parade the children are generally spoilt rotten. There are games for them, they get to eat as many hot dogs, ice creams and pieces of cake as they want, and drink all the sodas they want too. Normal weather for May 17th here is cold wind, partly dry but lovely even if it's pouring.

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toni wrote on Tue May 13, 2008 5:14 pm:

Wow, what a wonderful way to celebrate. You will be posting pictures of everything won't you? I would love to see you in the national costume.

eileen wrote on Tue May 13, 2008 6:34 pm:

"We've got no military parade, no show of arms, very little political talk, and everything's focused around the children and having fun." Now that, in my opinion, is just what celebrations should all be about. I do hope you've taken photographs because, like Toni, I'd really love to see them Droopy.

Droopy wrote on Tue May 13, 2008 7:25 pm:

Of course I'll snap some photos if I remember to bring the camera. *lol* Everybody snaps photos on May 17th, and I won't forget. I shall have to ask my husband to photograph me. My costume is rather plain in comparison with the lovely embroidered ones from this region. It's got a tartan top, Eileen.

Biita wrote on Wed May 14, 2008 7:24 am:

I love May 17th I think as much as the kids do. Since we don't usually have any kids here at that time, we spoil each other silly,,lol. But! Josh is here this year, and i just bought a whole bunch of ice cream toppings, cones, ice cream, sausages, the works. Were going to bbq some ribs american style, and ofcourse go into Leknes for their parade. I've cut my birch branches yesterday to make sure they are bloomed in time. KB will hang some off his car and mine for the day. I can't wait! lol.

And it is all about the children here, but then they are our future. KB will have his black suit on to start out, but as the day wears on he starts to shed pieces and replaces with more comfy cloths..lol. Its just a fun day, and very special for the country. I love it!

tschnath wrote on Wed May 14, 2008 4:31 pm:

Sounds great. I too would love to see pics. Any celebration for children is alright in my book. Can't wait to see. Thanks for sharing all the info.

Droopy wrote on Wed May 14, 2008 8:07 pm:

I'm looking forward to sharing photos with you, and I just hope the weather will be nice. Otherwise you'll just see lots of colourful umbrellas and rain gear.

glendann wrote on Fri May 16, 2008 4:27 am:

Sounds like a fun day for everyone.I want to see pictures.Do have a great time .

gardengater wrote on Mon Jun 16, 2008 5:25 pm:

Hi Droopy, you have the widest selection of Hosta I've ever seen! I most enjoy the festival photos of the native costumes. Keeping culture alive is so important, as I've only met new family members in Slovakia and was privileged to visit 3 yrs ago. It as so enriched my life and given me a new family. I hope to share my pics of my heritage soon. Thanks again.

Gardengater