17th May, Celebrating the national day of Norway

Ananda and Sushil
In front of the royal castle in Oslo

The 17th May is the country's Constitution Day and marks the day when Norway became a free and independent nation. The constitution was signed by the national assembly at Eidsvoll in 1814. Every year on May 17 Norwegians fill the streets with cheers and flags in celebration of Norway's constitution adopted in 1814. School children, many wearing national costumes, march in parades to the beat of thundering bands, and a resounding "Hurrah for the 17th of May!" Having been a part of the Danish autocracy for 400 years, Norway formed a loose union with Sweden that lasted until 1905. A limited and hereditary monarchy was introduced, whereby the king would exercise his authority through a government, while Parliament (Stortinget) would allocate monies and make laws.

The Norwegian constitution was the most modern in Europe at the time. The way Norwegians celebrate their national day is unique and different from any other country.

Royal family waves to the passing processions from the palace balcony

In Oslo, the norwegian royal family waves to the passing processions from the palace balcony. Since 1906, the Royal Family have gathered on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Oslo to wave to the children marching by.

Another special characteristic that contributes to making Independence Day/Constitution Day a unique day is all the beautiful "Bunads" (the traditional Norwegian costumes) you can see the locals wear. What an experience for visitors!

People gathered in the Karl Johansgata

On May 17th, it is the colorful processions of children with their banners, flags and bands - not military parades - that play the main role. The first children's procession was held in 1870.

The day is celebrated across the country, from remote mountain villages to the main cities. Another special characteristic that contributes to making this a unique day is all the beautiful bunads (national costumes) that have become increasingly popular in recent years.

SAMIs, in the parade with Sami flags

SAMI, the indigenous people live in north of Norway are also celebrating the National day. The SAMIs living in capital city Oslo are also seen in the parade but they were carrying not the Norwegian flag but the SAMI flag and the traditional costume.

Although they have own autonomous govern body, own parliament, and flag they celebrate the national day together. Some of the extreme nationalistic people don’t like that the SAMIs are coming with different flag in the parade but many people takes it simply.

Colorful processions coming towards the royal castle

The parade passing through the National Theater

A Norwegian couple in Bunad and a German man in Nepali National dress ‘Daura Suruwal and Topi’ in front of royal castle

Beauty with Bunad

National DressMost people dress in their best spring clothes, with a Norwegian flag or May 17 ribbon pinned to their lapel. It has become increasingly popular to wear the national costume, the bunad, on this occasion.

The bunad varies in appearance from region to region and the magnificent sight of national costumes from all over the country is one of the reasons why this day truly represents a celebration of Norwegian tradition and history.

The Bunad, it is pretty, looks nice and expensive as well. One bunad approximately cost 2000 USD or more. It is depending on how much silver are being used and also the style, how it made. To make the beautiful embroidery and a lot of hand work will increase the cost. And we all know that the Norway is the high cost country.

The ‘’russ’’ enjoying the national day

The "russ" celebration- ending 13 years of school. The May 17 is also the day pupils in their last year of upper secondary school celebrate the end of 13 years of school, even though many still have to pass final exams. They call themselves "russ" and illustrate their standing through colorful overalls depending on their line of study. High spirits are the norm and the festivities usually last day and night. Many transport themselves around town in self-decorated buses and vans with slogans and booming music.

City hall, the ending point of the parades in the city center

I have seen different countries celebrating their nation day, constitution day or independents day. Most of them I saw is parade of arms and the powerful military hardware they made or brought it.But I found the big differences in Norway.

Although Norway is the country comes in top 10 producing and exporting the small arms, but I didn’t see any single arms around Oslo accept the royal guards, even in the national day. They celebrate it differently, which is I like very much, because children’s are participant in the parade and enjoying the day. Some people said that, children’s shouldn’t use in such parade but what I believe is, children’s are the future of the nation, if they celebrate the national day peacefully that is the best way to celebrate the national day.

As we are the TV journalists, my friend Sushil and I are going to share all this interesting events with our people in Nepal through our weekly TV programme called Aankhihjyal aired on National Television NTV.