17 May 2011 – Hurra for syttende mai

Grunnlovsdagen /The Norwegian Constitution Day is the Nasjonaldagen /The National Day. Among Norwegians, the day is referred to simply as syttende mai/17th May is an official national holiday observed on May 17 each year. This is the second time back here for 17 May since moving away in 1985.

The Constitution was signed at Eidsvoll on 17 May 1814 which declared Norway to be an independent nation but was still under Swedish rule. After much debate between 1814-1905, 17 May was agreed to be the National Day. A noteworthy aspect of this day is its very non-military nature. All over Norway, children’s parades with an abundance of flags form the central elements of the celebration. The parade concludes with the singing of the national anthem Ja vi elsker dette landet/Yes we love this country. People typically wear red, white, blue ribbons and their beautiful bunad/traditional outfits.

Am not patriotic enough to brave the crowds unless there are really valid reasons to do so, been there done that! The children are grown and no grandchildren here yet that my presence is needed to support any parades! Pix credits go to Aftenposten/Norwegian newspapers and various sites.

I have no country to fight for; my country is the earth, and I am a citizen of the world – Eugene V Debs

Our hearts where they rocked our cradle,
Our love where we spent our toil,
And our faith, and our hope, and our honor,
We pledge to our native soil.
God gave all men all earth to love,
But since our hearts are small,
Ordained for each one spot should prove
Beloved over all – Rudyard Kipling