Why Is May 17th Known as Norway's Constitution Day?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around Norway's Constitution Day, celebrated on May 17th, and includes historical context, cultural traditions, and personal reflections on the day. Participants share their thoughts on the significance of the day, the celebrations, and related cultural elements such as traditional costumes and art.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the constitution was signed on May 17, 1814, marking Norway's first period of independence in 400 years, although it was short-lived due to a union with Sweden.
  • Another participant highlights the Children's Parade as a significant aspect of the celebration, contrasting it with military parades.
  • Several participants express their joy and celebrate Norway's birthday, sharing personal sentiments and greetings.
  • Discussion includes appreciation for traditional Norwegian costumes, with references to the works of artists Adolph Tidemand and Hans Gude.
  • Some participants engage in light-hearted exchanges regarding the syntax of Norwegian phrases used in greetings, with corrections and humorous commentary on language use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the celebratory nature of Constitution Day and express positive sentiments towards Norway. However, there are minor disagreements regarding the correct syntax of Norwegian phrases, with some participants correcting others while maintaining a light-hearted tone.

Contextual Notes

Discussions about the historical context of Norway's independence and the significance of the Children's Parade may depend on varying interpretations of cultural practices and historical events.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in Norwegian culture, history, and celebrations, as well as those looking to engage in discussions about language and cultural expressions.

arildno
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17th of May, 1814, the "Men at Eidsvold" signed our new constitution.

Norway's first period of independence in 400 years was a fact, although it only lasted a few months, when Norway was subsumed in a personal union with Sweden (that union lasted to 1905).

Military parades is not a significant part of our celebration of the Constitution Day, instead, we have the Children's Parade (instituted by the poet Wergeland in the 1820's).

Today, the weather here near Oslo is overcast, here's some pictures from previous years:

Parading past the Royal Palace:
17_mai_2007_01.jpg


A typical view down our main street, the Karl Johan, with the Storthing just visible at the end:
[PLAIN]http://media.aftenposten.no/archive/00750/TOG_V_Norske_flagg__750487x.jpg

Some typical Norwegian costumes, "bunader", each district has its own distinctive pattern:
[PLAIN]http://www.nordakerbunader.no/bunader/images/jelsa.jpg
[PLAIN]http://www.husflidstova.no/images/Bunader%20i%20Nordhordland%20test2.jpg

The Parade of the "Russ" (The "Russ" are celebrating that they have finished senior high school at last!):
[URL]http://www.photosight.org/up/2004/05/18/711.jpg[/URL]
 
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Happy Norway's birthday!:smile:
How interesting! Today is my PF birthday, too!:biggrin:
 
Happy birthday Norway, i would have made a cake but i don't have the time or money.
:smile:
 
YEAH!


Great costumes---they look like something out of a Adolph Tidemand painting
 
Happy Birthday Norway!:smile:
 
rewebster said:
YEAH!


Great costumes---they look like something out of a Adolph Tidemand painting

Don't forget his bosom friend Hans Gude ("Tidemand&Gude" is how we typically refer to them, we don't, usually, bother to separate them)

Being justifiably national romantic today, here's a few Tidemand&Gude paintings:

"The bridal tour in Hardanger" (probably the most famous one):
Brudeferden.jpg


A.Tidemann.jpg


The Highlands:
[PLAIN]http://www.ostforsk.no/per/Tor.Arnesen/Malerier/Tidemann_og_Gude/Hans_Gude_1857_Hoyfjell.jpg

Granny bride:
[PLAIN]http://www.scanspec.com/Norwegian%20Art/DF-bestemorbrud-thmb.jpg
 
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Wow, I really love those paintings, arildno.
 
atidemand.jpg
 
Happy Birthday Norway!
 
  • #10
Happy Birthday, Norway!

Great photos, arildno.
 
  • #11
Gratulerer med dagen Norge!
 
  • #12
lisab said:
Gratulerer med dagen Norge!

Oh sure. Bust out the Babel Fish why don't'cha? :wink:
 
  • #13
lisab said:
Gratulerer med dagen Norge!

Not quite correct syntax, though!

It should be:

Gratulerer med dagen, Norge!
 
  • #14
arildno said:
Not quite correct syntax, though!

It should be:

Gratulerer med dagen, Norge!

I'm sure you can let her off with a comma, though. Most people speaking their own language don't know where to put those! :biggrin:
 
  • #15
Correction to my previous post:
"Happy Birthday, Norway! :smile:"

Great costumes and paintings, thanks!
 
  • #16
arildno said:
Not quite correct syntax, though!

It should be:

Gratulerer med dagen, Norge!

dang you, google translate :redface:
 
  • #17
cristo said:
I'm sure you can let her off with a comma, though. Most people speaking their own language don't know where to put those! :biggrin:

Include me in that group, too (to which I usually belong). :smile:
 
  • #18
arildno said:
Include me in that group, too (to which I usually belong). :smile:

Haha ok then...

Gratulerer; med, dagen-Norge?
 

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