Norway's Constitutional Day

May 17th

My mom, Bjørg (86), Barbara, My dad, Werner (88) and Veronica. 

First time celebrating May 17th together.

In 1814 the Constitution of Norway was written down as the second one in the world after the US Constitution. It was signed and dated on 5/17. The French and the British had operated by constitutions for years, but never written them down. It formalized Norway's independence after almost 400 years of union with Denmark. After this, Sweden invaded Norway, but after negotiation a peace treaty, the countries agreed on separate governments and constitutions, except for king and foreign services. It stayed this way until the union with Sweden was dissolved in 1905. Norway has been fully independent since then.

May 17th is celebrated in many different ways throughout Norway, but there are many common factors. One is the cheering, which is followed by lot of noise making, during the parade. Here is Barbara with a traditional children's horn.

The parade on Sandsøy was bigger than in many years. In 2000 the school closed with only 3 students in it. The predictions were that in 2005 there would be no more children on the island. Today there are 20 (will be 18 when we move) children under the age of 18.

A grandmother with twin granddaughters. They are just too cute!

There is a choir on the island, and they performed for the first time exactly 30 years ago on May 17th. They performed again this year (as they do every year). Photo from church.

The Norwegian flag was first drawn in 1821 by Fredrik Meltzer. During union with Denmark and Sweden there were many different flag designs used as the official flag of Norway. After the union with Sweden was dissolved in 1905, the above flag was taken in use. During the WWII parades like this were not allowed and after the was, the May 17th celebration became even more important to the people of Norway. The colors of the Norwegian flag is taken from the French 'Tricolor' and the designs is a copy of Denmark and Sweden, showing a cross in the middle.

Barbara during the parade, which led to the church from the community house and then back again.

Veronica and Mia relaxing on the patio of the community house. People haven't seen such a gorgeous weather in decades on May 17th.

From the inside of the community house where the committee had set tables for 115 people and 130 showed up. There was room for everyone. Since the weather was nice, many sat outside. Lamb stu with rice, mashed potatoes and veggies was served.

My friend, Kirsten (to the left) and the speaker of the day, Frid Fossbakk.

It is tradition for a prominent person in the community to hold the speech of the day. This year, Frid Fossbakk held the speech. She is the leader of the political appointed group which works on convincing the county supervisors that spending the transportation $$ on building an underwater tunnel between the islands is the way to go!

The May 17th ribbon is another flag decorations that people hang on the left side of your chest, as close to your heart as possible.

Mathea enjoying her soda. Hot dogs, ice cream, strawberries, soda, salmon and Kransekake are some of the foods that are traditional on this day.

Mia loves ice cream!

Tone taking a break from the sheep barn. Almost all the sheep and lambs are in the field now getting ready to be taken to the unharvested areas of the island. Tone is wearing a Bunad, which is a national costume. There are Bunads from different regions of Norway and each one show where you are from. The one Tone is wearing is a Nordlands Bunad and is from northern Norway. Many of you will recognize it from what I wear sometimes.

Karstein Slagstad, 89, enjoying watching the children play and the gorgeous weather.

Marte Berg and Veronica is children's costumes. Children sometimes get the same Bunad as the adults wear, but these are very expensive and typically the children will get a real Bunad for their Confirmation. Marte is wearing a traditional children's style folk costume and Veronica is wearing an outfit I made for her.

Rakel wearing a Troms Bunad.

 Games for the kids outside the community house.

Sack race.