May 17 - syttende mai - Norway's National Day

Prior to 1814, for several centuries, Norway was part of Denmark.  But Denmark was on the wrong side in the Napoleonic Wars, while Sweden was an ally of Great Britain.  As a result, in January 1814, as part of the settlement declared in the Treaty of Kiel, Denmark was forced to cede Norway to Sweden.  Nobody asked the Norwegians what they thought about being part of Sweden.

On May 17, 1814, Norway's Constitution was signed at Eidsvoll.  The document among other things established Norway as an independent nation.  The Norwegians didn't ask Sweden what they thought about Norway's declaration of independence.

Norwegian Constitution Signed at Eidsvoll

The Swedes were not pleased.  Without going into historical detail, there was a very short war, followed by another treaty in which Norway kept its constitution, but agreed to enter into a "personal union" with Sweden.  The union was dissolved in 1905 and the Norwegian parliament elected Prince Carl of Denmark (married to Princess Maud of Wales - daughter of the English King) as King of Norway.  Carl took the name of Haakon VII.

Norway celebrates May 17 as its National Day.  There are parades, particularly school-aged children, but also adult clubs and music corps parade through the cities and towns.  People really dress up for this day.  Many wear traditional costumes that differ by region (like Scottish tartans differ by clan).  These costumes are called "bunad".  I think they are beautiful and I like the idea of treating the day with respect by dressing up.  As you look at the following pictures pay attention to the crowds of people watching the parade go by -- notice how they are dressed.

Early Morning Patriotic Music at Our Neighborhood

Dog Bunad!

Main Plaza in Trondheim

Flag at Our Townhouse

Are you going to share?

Ole Morten and Unn (wearing a beautiful bunad)

Note the clothing

One of many marching bands

Trondheim held a World's Best Moustache contest

One of many dance clubs

One of many martial arts clubs

I qualified for this one:  New Immigrants!

Geek Club

Viking Club

After the parade, we visited Tante Gerd and Onkel Einar.  Then we picked up Kitty and brought her home for a lasagna dinner, followed by cake and coffee.  Then it was off to the airport to take Ole Morten and Unn to catch their flight home to Oslo.  It was a great visit and a very nice holiday.