17 May 2009

Last year we celebrated the Norwegian Constitution Day in Copenhagen. This is something all Norwegians do, all over the world. Not surprisingly, we did the same this year. Although it's a bit overdue, here are some pictures from the day:

To the left: Jan at the service, proudly wearing a flag ribbon; In the middle: The parade through Christianshavn; To the right: John-Arne happy because he has secured a bottle of Solo.

17 May is just like 4th of July for Americans. It's a day where we celebrate freedom, independence and human rights - in gratitude to those who defended it through our history, but primarily it is the day of the children. And it is the day when all Norwegians become children.

Norwegian Constitution Day in Denmark

Outside of the Norwegian Church in Copenhagen


Norwegians celebrate their Constitution Day on the 17 May, even when living abroad. The day is the Norwegian National Day, and we celebrate it to commemorate that Norway got it's first Constitution in 1814. Previously we were a part of Denmark (until 1536 we were in union with Denmark and after that we became a part of Denmark) and in 1814 we were handed over to Sweden as a part of the peace settlement of Kiel (the end of the Napoleonic wars). Denmark so to say lost Norway to Sweden. Needless to say the day grew in importance during the union with Sweden. The closest comparison to the Norwegian Constitution Day is the American 4th of July.

The day itself is celebrated with children parading (marching) in the streets, band playing etc. We sing the National Anthem and other songs that expresses our national identity. A lot of Norwegians and Samis put on their national costume. Dignitaries give speeches about liberty, tolerance and human rights. It's a day for everbody who comes from Norway (read: people like me) and people who for whatever reason is attached to Norway (e.g.: Jan).

For me it was a strange thing to celebrate it abroad, for the second time. Last time was in Germany while studying there. Denmark is however more exciting, there are more Norwegians in Copenhagen and the country is explicitly mentioned in verse 6 of our National Anthem, as one of the three brothers of Scandinavia.



Jan shouting Hurra and me enjoying the parade.


Me and Jan went downtown for the day, it began with a service in Christian's Church, followed by the parade to the Norwegian Church in Copenhagen. There the ambassador held a speech, songs were sung and we got something to eat. The day made me proud and it was interesting to hear the ambassador's speech.


I actually think Jan enjoyed the day greatly. At least he is talking about starting a tradition here in Denmark, celebrating the Danish Constitution Day.