Today we celebrate Norway's National Day. On this very day in 1814 we got our own constitution. We had been ruled by Denmark since 1380, so it was about time we got rid of them. But everything wasn't totally "perfect". You see we then entered into a union with Sweden, that would last until 1905. But this was quite an unrestricted union, compared to the unions of today, for instance the EU. Both countries were independent, we had our own government and our own constitution, but we had a Swedish King, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs was also Swedish.
Anyways... Probably not very interesting to you all... But to us it is a very significant day, perhaps the most important day in our history. I believe it is...
We celebrate it by walking in processions (parades!?), where children go with their classes at school, and also grown-ups attend it. We wave our flags and cheer "hurrah hurrah". School bands walk as well, in front of the school they belong to. For those in Oslo, they walk past the castle where out Royal Family lives. The King and Queen stand on a balcony waving at their people. Here is a picture from the main street in Oslo, called Carl Johan's gate. You can see the castle in the back. In Oslo 107 schools attend the parade, and it takes hours to finish. The procession is just full of happy people, nicely dressed up. Every darn year when they sing our National anthem, I weep. I can't help it. I just get so touched by things like that...
Have a nice day all Norwegians, wherever you might be.
"Ja vi elsker dette landet"
Hugs from Monsoon :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment