Celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day
(Syttende Mai)
May 17th
(Syttende Mai)
May 17th
Hurrah! Today is Norwegian Constitution Day! A good friend of mine surprised me with a photograph of her new manicure in tribute to the special day. (I spy your Viking scroll work inspired ring, Luci.)
Syttende Mai holds special meaning in the hearts of Norwegians and Norwegian-Americans.
What is the significance of Syttende Mai? Norwegians have a proud and independent past, dating from before the time of the Vikings. The country was weakened soon after by civil wars and plagues and fell under the rule of Denmark, followed by Sweden. In 1905, after nearly 100 years of Swedish rule and wars between Norway and Sweden, an overwhelming majority of voters in Norway voted for independence. The country's constitution was drawn many years before independence was regained, and the struggle is still recent in the ancestral memories of Norwegians and those who emigrated from the homeland.
May 17th also marks the coming of true spring in the experience of many Norwegians. My great grandmother, Malla Johnson, always told her brood that the garden must be planted by Syttende Mai. And, the only song she was ever heard humming or singing under her breath was Norway's National Anthem: Ja, vi elsker dette landet (Yes, we love this land).
First verse:
Ja, vi elsker dette landet
som det stiger frem,
furet, værbitt, over vannet,
med du tusen hjem.
Elsker, elsker det og tenker
på vå far og mor
og den saganatt som senker
drømme på vår jord.
og den saganatt som senker
drømme på vår jord.
Translation:
Yes, we love with fond devotion
This our land that looms
Rugged, storm-scarred o'er the ocean
With her thousand homes.
Love her, in our love recalling
Those who gave us birth.
And old tales which night, in falling,
Brings as dreams to earth.
And old tales which night, in falling,
Brings as dreams to earth.
Ballard, a Scandinavian community within the city limits of Seattle, holds a parade in celebration each May 17th. This Flickr photograph is a sample of what you will see beginning at about 4 p.m. in the streets of Ballard today.
Happy Syttende Mai!
