Why do we celebrate 17th of May?
On 17 May we are commemorating the signing of the constitution on that date in 1814. While many countries celebrate their national day with a military parade, Norway’s 17 May is more of a party for everyone, especially the children.
What is the Norwegian holiday in May?
Constitution Day
Constitution Day (Norway)
Constitution Day | |
---|---|
Celebrations | Parades, flying flags, speeches, memorialisation |
Date | 17 May |
Next time | 17 May 2022 |
Frequency | Annual |
How do you celebrate Syttende Mai?
Celebrate Syttende Mai at Home
- Celebrate your heritage. Fly the Norwegian flag – the more, the better. Learn the patriotic song that Sons of Norway is named after.
- Have some fun. Take a quiz about Norway. Read facts about Syttende Mai.
- Community pride. Clean up your street or your park.
How do you say 17th of May in Norwegian?
Among Norwegians, the day is referred to simply as “Syttende Mai” (17th of May) or Grunnlovsdagen (The Constitution Day).
What is Syttende Mai?
Stoughton’s Syttende Mai festival is a weekend-long celebration of Norwegian heritage featuring fun activities and cultural experiences for the whole family. Come join us for three days of parades, amazing food and drink, arts and music, athletic competitions, and kids’ activities steeped in centuries of Norwegian culture.
Why do we celebrate Søttende/Syttende Mai?
The poet Henrik Wergeland is credited with making Søttende/Syttende mai a celebratory day for the children rather than a day of patriotic pride. Actually, the day demonstrates that the children, i.e. the country’s future, are the patriotic pride, if we follow Wergeland’s thought.
Are foreigners allowed to celebrate Syttende Mai?
Although 17 May is the National Day, foreigners are welcome to join in with all activities. Syttende Mai is also celebrated in many Norwegian migrant communities throughout the world, with traditional foods, sometimes including lutefisk.
What is Stoughton’s Syttende Mai festival?
The city-wide festival takes place every year on the weekend closest to Norway’s May 17th Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Stoughton enjoyed an influx of Norwegians, and at one time, as many as 75 percent of its residents spoke Norwegian.