Isabella Carter
Norwegian Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai, Nasjonaldagen, or Grunnlovsdagen, is a national holiday celebrated annually on May 17th. The day is marked by large-scale parades, traditional folk costumes, and an abundance of food, including ice cream, waffles, and hot dogs. The celebration is particularly special for children, who play a central role in the festivities, with schools holding their own parades and children participating in games and activities. The day commemorates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution on May 17, 1814, which declared Norway as an independent kingdom, and is observed by Norwegians both within the country and across the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17 May |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Type of celebration | Parades, music, food, and drink |
| Participants | Children, students, adults |
| Attire | Traditional folk costumes ("bunad"), red/blue overalls or jumpsuits in various colours |
| Food | Hot dogs, waffles, ice cream, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, cured meat, cheese, beef patties |
| Drinks | Champagne |
| Location | Norway, Oslo, other countries with Norwegian immigrant communities |
| Symbolism | Norwegian independence, freedom, and cultural identity |
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What You'll Learn
Parades, including children's parades, and marching bands
Parades are a key feature of Norway's Constitution Day, with the biggest parade taking place in the capital, Oslo. Here, pupils from over 120 schools parade past the Royal Palace, accompanied by marching bands (brass bands). The children and the royal family exchange waves and greetings. The Oslo parade is said to include around 100,000 people taking part in the festivities in the city centre.
The graduating class from videregående (upper secondary school, sixth form) has its own celebration on Constitution Day, known as "russ". They parade through the streets carrying signs and pickets, parodying various local and political aspects. Russ also drive around in rented, hand-decorated buses and vans, playing loud music. They hold contests for the best vehicle in terms of themed interiors, sound systems, and artistic concepts. Russ parades have become smaller in recent years due to discouragement from the police.
Children's parades are a central element of the day's celebrations, with most primary and secondary schools holding their own. Children spend plenty of time in school preparing for the parade, practising the songs they will sing as they walk. The first children's parade was held in 1864, and only boys were allowed to participate until 1899, when girls were finally included.
Constitution Day is celebrated across Norway, with variations in small settlements and larger towns. The day is also celebrated by Norwegians outside of Norway, with festivities held in Chicago, Minnesota, Iowa, New York, and Wisconsin.
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Traditional costumes, known as bunad
The bunad is a 20th-century invention, based on traditional folk costumes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The movement was influenced by 19th-century national romanticism, which included an interest in traditional folk costumes in Norway and neighbouring countries. The person most often credited with the outfit's invention, or at least the revival of interest in traditional folk costumes, is Hulda Garborg, a writer, novelist, playwright, poet, and dancer. She spent many years travelling the country, participating in debates and promoting Norwegian culture. In 1903, she published the pamphlet 'Norsk Klædebunad', which shifted the focus from creating a single national costume to developing several regional bunads. In the early to mid-20th century, Klara Semb took over the campaign, focusing on developing "historically correct" bunads.
Today, the bunad is often viewed as a status symbol, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. It is common, but not mandatory, to wear a bunad on Norway's Constitution Day, as well as other celebrations such as weddings, baptisms, confirmations, Christmas, and graduations. It is also worn at folk dances and other festivals. The bunad is considered a festival garment, and everyday clothing is more suitable for work situations.
On Norway's Constitution Day, the streets are filled with Norwegians of all generations wearing their bunads. There are big parades with everyone dressed up in their special outfits, and children's parades with an abundance of flags, folk dancing, and music. The day is a public holiday, and a great source of national pride.
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Food and drink, including hot dogs, waffles, and ice cream
Norwegian Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai, Nasjonaldagen, or Grunnlovsdagen, is a day of celebration for Norwegians both in Norway and abroad. The day is marked by parades, festivities, and traditional clothing, with food and drink playing a central role in the celebrations.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a popular food item during Norwegian Constitution Day. They are often served to children during the parades and festivities. In some cases, they may be served with sour cream porridge called "rømmegrøt".
Waffles
Waffles are another beloved treat during the celebrations. They are enjoyed by both children and adults, often served with coffee and soft drinks. In some locations, such as the Norwegian church in Cardiff, the celebrations include a meal of waffles.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is a staple during Norwegian Constitution Day, especially for children. It is sold during the parades, providing a refreshing treat for those participating in or watching the processions.
In addition to these treats, Norwegians also indulge in other traditional foods and drinks during the celebrations. Before the parades, many people gather for breakfast parties, often sharing a potluck meal with friends, family, and neighbours. This may include freshly baked bread, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and other treats. After the parades, people assemble again for speeches and more food, sometimes enjoying traditional Norwegian cuisine in restaurants.
In Norwegian communities around the world, the day is celebrated with traditional foods such as lutefisk, lefse, and rømmegrøt. These celebrations showcase the strong sense of community and camaraderie among Norwegians, both in their home country and abroad.
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Russ, or high school graduates, celebrating with pranks, parties, and concerts
Russ, or high school graduates, have their own unique way of celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day. This group of young adults is easily identifiable by their blue, green, red, and black jumpsuits. They participate in Russefeiring, a traditional celebration marking the beginning of their final semester before college or employment. The last day of their festivities happens to fall on Constitution Day.
The Russ celebrate with parades, parties, and concerts. Their parades are a fun and raucous sight, with teens dancing on hand-decorated buses and vans blaring loud music. They also carry signs and pickets, sometimes parodying local and political aspects. The Russ also have their own calling cards, known as russekort, which contain their name, photo, and a joke. These cards are popular with children and make great Constitution Day souvenirs.
The Russ celebrations also include staying up all night and making their way through the community. They often drive around in rented, decorated vehicles with banners and loud music. There are even contests to see who has the best vehicle in terms of themed interiors, sound systems, and artistic concepts.
In Oslo, the Russ have a special tradition on Constitution Day. They place an oversized hat on the statue of Henrik Wergeland, the poet credited with making the day a celebration for children rather than a day of patriotic pride. This tribute to Wergeland reflects the importance of children as the country's future and a source of patriotic pride.
Overall, the Russ celebrations on Norwegian Constitution Day are a unique and exciting aspect of the holiday, adding to the festive atmosphere and sense of community that makes this day so special in Norway.
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Flags, music, and a non-military atmosphere
Norwegian Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai, Nasjonaldagen, or Grunnlovsdagen, is celebrated annually on 17 May. The day is marked by a variety of traditions, many of which centre around flags, music, and a non-military atmosphere.
Flags are a prominent feature of the celebrations. During World War II, when Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany, Norwegians were forbidden from using the colours of their flag. Thus, following the country's liberation on 8 May 1945, the Norwegian flag became a powerful symbol of freedom. Today, Norwegian flags are waved during Constitution Day parades, both in Norway and by Norwegian immigrant communities around the world.
Music is another important element of the festivities. In the weeks leading up to 17 May, it is common for high school graduates (known as "Russ") to drive around in decorated vans and buses, blasting loud music. On the day itself, children sing songs as they walk in parades, and marching bands perform for crowds.
The Norwegian Constitution Day is notable for its non-military nature. While many countries mark their national days with military parades, Norway's celebrations are lighthearted and centred around children. This focus on children is largely attributed to the poet Henrik Wergeland, who is credited with making the day a celebration of the country's future rather than a show of patriotic pride.
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Frequently asked questions
Norwegian Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai, is a national holiday in Norway that celebrates the signing of the country's constitution on May 17, 1814.
Norwegian Constitution Day is celebrated with parades, traditional folk costumes, and food. The day is focused on children having fun and there is a notable absence of military parades.
Traditional foods eaten on Norwegian Constitution Day include hot dogs, waffles, and ice cream. Adults may also drink champagne.
