In 1380 Norway entered into a union with Denmark due to Norway's poor economy and already weak political state. Over the years Norway lost all its independence and was subject to absolute monarchy by the Danish Crown. During the Napoleonic wars Denmark/Norway sided with Napoleon against Russia, Sweden and Germany. At the Battle of Leipzig in 1813 Napoleon was defeated by Sweden and Denmark was forced to give Norway to Sweden, which ended 434 years of union with Denmark. Even though Norway was now in a union with Sweden it was to maintain the status of an independent state, with its own constitution, national representation, its own government and the right to levy taxes. On May 17, 1814 the Norwegian constitution was adopted and was considered to be one of the most radically democratic constitutions of its time. To this day May 17th symbolizes Norway's independence and its democratic constitution.
Norwegians like to dress up for May 17th. These guys are wearing their national costume, called the bunad (note this picture was stolen from the guy on the left...it's not mine).
Side note: a bunad costs about $7000, but I should also add that they are made of wool by hand and have a lot of detail (note the bottom of the dress on girl to the left), they also come with matching jewelry, a shawl and/or purse for the ladies and a hat for the guys. Since the bunad is worn about 5 times a year (May 17, baptisms, confirmations, or weddings) it makes it a very expensive ensemble, but once they have one made they don't buy another (unless they outgrow it of course).
Some girls, also in their bunad.
However, if they aren't wearing their bunad the guys will dress up in suit and tie and the ladies will wear a dress or a skirt. I don't think I've ever seen so many people dressed this nicely in one place before, especially the children.
The Royal Guard
(listen to the Norwegian National Anthem: Ja, Vi Elser Dette Landet)
May 17th is considered to be a day for the children so in Oslo, about 100 elementary schools parade past the Royal Palace with their flags and Musikkorps (marching band)
Often times the high schoolers will help by playing in the musikkorps or baton groups.
The russ even join in on the parades, note the "knots" on the girl's hat.
Looking down the parade route.
They are still coming after 2 hours...I didn't know it could go so long!
So, what did I do for syttende mai (17th May)? After attending the parade in the morning I went to a church service in the afternoon filled with Norwegian flags, patriotic songs and a patriotic sermon (all in Norwegian I might add). Some German friends told me after that in Germany the German flag would never be placed in a church. Which isn't so strange in the U.S., but I think it would be strange to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" in church. In the evening I went to a "17 Mai Fest"The festivities included Norwegian Folk Dancing (below) and swing dancing.
Believe it or not, I even participated a bit in dancing. Shocking I know!
No comments:
Post a Comment