What is the History and Culture of Norway's Constitution Day?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the history and cultural significance of Norway's Constitution Day, celebrated on May 17th. Participants share personal experiences, traditions associated with the day, and reflections on Norwegian identity and celebrations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe the Children's Parade as a prominent feature of the celebration, where children wave flags and cheer.
  • Others mention the "russ" tradition, where 18-year-olds celebrate their graduation with parties leading up to May 17th, often engaging in loud and festive behavior.
  • There are references to the historical context of the day, including the significance of the first constitution in 1814 and the centenary of Norwegian independence from Sweden in 1905.
  • Several participants express their affection for Norway, highlighting its scenery and culture, while also noting the absence of Norway from the EU as a point of pride.
  • Some participants engage in light-hearted exchanges about the Norwegian language and share greetings for the occasion.
  • One participant contrasts their experiences in Norway with those in Denmark, sharing a humorous observation about their visit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a positive view of Norway and its Constitution Day, but there are varying perspectives on the traditions and behaviors associated with the celebrations. No consensus is reached on the appropriateness of the "russ" conduct or the comparison of Norway to Sweden.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal opinions and experiences, which may not represent broader cultural views. The discussion includes informal language and humor, which may influence interpretations of the traditions described.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring Norwegian culture, history, or traditions, as well as individuals curious about international celebrations and their significance.

arildno
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On May 17th, 1814, Norway got its first constitution.
The most prominent feature on our day of celebration is the Children's Parade, where the children in the neighbourhood form a parade and wave Norwegian flags and yell "Hooray!".
The adults line up all the way where the parade is coming, and "hooray" as well when the parade passes them.

The slightly bigger "children" in Norway, i.e the 18-year olds who celebrate that they're finished with 12 years school, have a different sort of celebration throughout the first two and a half weeks of May leading up to May 17th:
They party practically non-stop, driving about, for example in large buses with ghetto-blasters spewing out music at full volume in the middle of the night (yes, it can be quite annoying if you really wanted to sleep..)

On May 17th, they round up their former teachers about 6.00 A.M and drive them off to a nice breakfast.

In general, the "russ'es", as they're called, are doing their best to excel in non-malicious "disorderly conduct", while we others say to each other in feigned, shocked tones: "We never did THAT when we were russ!".
Or, if they have behaved "too nicely", we get disappointed, and think they've been lame this year.


This year is quite special in that on 7th of June, we'll celebrate the first century of Norwegian independence; the union between Norway and Sweden ended in 1905.
 
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arildno said:
On May 17th, 1814, Norway got its first constitution.
What's Norweedish for 'Congratulations'? :biggrin:
 
Danger said:
What's Norweedish for 'Congratulations'? :biggrin:

'Gratulerer' (grah-to-leh-rer) hard r's, not them soft american r's :biggrin:

Gratulerer med dagen Norge! (Happy birthday Norway!)
 
Last edited:
Danger said:
What's Norweedish for 'Congratulations'? :biggrin:
I didn't realize how many Norweeds we had at PF. :smile:

Gratulerer med dagen Norge!
 
Evo said:
I didn't realize how many Norweeds we had at PF. :smile:
Yeah, that country must be bigger than I thought.

Gratulerer med dagen Norge! :biggrin:
 
Jäj snacker icke Norsk, men jäj önskar er lycka og välmå på min Scandinaviska!

(I don't speak Norwegian, but I wish you luck and prosperity in Scandinavian (a terrible mix of Scandinavian languages).

And thanks for the info on Newtons personality, arildno! Oh, and you did not by any chance get a free breakfast, did you?
 
arildno said:
On May 17th, 1814, Norway got its first constitution.
The most prominent feature on our day of celebration is the Children's Parade, where the children in the neighbourhood form a parade and wave Norwegian flags and yell "Hooray!".
The adults line up all the way where the parade is coming, and "hooray" as well when the parade passes them.

The slightly bigger "children" in Norway, i.e the 18-year olds who celebrate that they're finished with 12 years school, have a different sort of celebration throughout the first two and a half weeks of May leading up to May 17th:
They party practically non-stop, driving about, for example in large buses with ghetto-blasters spewing out music at full volume in the middle of the night (yes, it can be quite annoying if you really wanted to sleep..)

On May 17th, they round up their former teachers about 6.00 A.M and drive them off to a nice breakfast.

In general, the "russ'es", as they're called, are doing their best to excel in non-malicious "disorderly conduct", while we others say to each other in feigned, shocked tones: "We never did THAT when we were russ!".
Or, if they have behaved "too nicely", we get disappointed, and think they've been lame this year.


This year is quite special in that on 7th of June, we'll celebrate the first century of Norwegian independence; the union between Norway and Sweden ended in 1905.

I hope you have a nice day. :rolleyes:

You know, the best things of these sort of days is you haven't have to go to work or to the university.
 
Clausius2 said:
I hope you have a nice day. :rolleyes:

You know, the best things of these sort of days is you haven't have to go to work or to the university.

...and you get to study/work at home instead. Indeed wonderful. :smile: :wink:
 
I never been to Norway only to Denmark and I remember only one thing when I was in Kopenhagen ; tons of hot chicks !
 
  • #10
hej Arildno

Have a great National day! I love Norway, the best place in the world that I have ever visited - awesome scenery and lovely people.
You know what the best bit was though?? - You're not in the Stupid EU!
Stay free, celebrate!
 
  • #11
Syttende mai er Norges grunnlovsdag, nasjonaldagen fremfor noen annen!
 
  • #12
Happy Constitution Day!

Although part Finn, I am also a Swede. And I still prefer to think of Norway as west Sweden. :biggrin:
 
  • #13
arildno said:
In general, the "russ'es", as they're called, are doing their best to excel in non-malicious "disorderly conduct", while we others say to each other in feigned, shocked tones: "We never did THAT when we were russ!".
Yeah, I never do that either. :-p

Happy Constitution Day!

(btw, great country you got there - I visited Stavenger and Oslo a few years ago.)
 
  • #14
you guys did great job in nationalizing oil production, but when Canada wanted to do the same they cried communism !
 

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