Every single Norwegian has strong feelings about syttende mai. That’s the day we dress up in our best clothes and everybody goes out in the streets to watch the children’s parade with flags and band music. There is a lot of fun going on for both children and adults, and we eat ice cream and drink pop. Often, the day is adjourned with a grand banquet. What is the historic background for syttende mai?

As a result of the Napoleonic wars in Europe, the Danish–Norwegian monarchy was dissolved in January 1814, and Norway was ceded by Denmark to Sweden. The Swedish army however was still fighting further south in Europe, and Norwegians took the opportunity to elect a National Assembly. They met at Eidsvoll, and on the 17^th of May 1814, the Assembly approved the new Constitution.

Norway was forced into a union with Sweden, but the two countries had a fairly good relationship. And it did not come to war when Norway claimed its independence in 1905. When we celebrate syttende mai, we also think of the freedom we gained after five years of German occupation during World War II.

The syttende mai church service emphasizes that our nation, peace and freedom are gifts from God for which we are grateful.