Litt om syttende mai

Norway has a long and interesting history. Did you know tht Norway was the first country in the world to grant full suffrage to women? It is true! They did in 1913.

No doubt you have heard of "syttende mai" which is celebrated on May 17 by the Norwegians and many USA Norwegians. In the USA, we have our Independence Day celebration on July 4 to commemorate our freedom from England on July 4, 1776. Well, here's a little bit of a lesson on the Norwegian counterpart to our national holiday.

Did you know that

• Prior to 1319, Norway was a self governing independent realm for over 400 years
  
• In 1319 Norway and Sweden were joined in a union until Norway and Denmark were brought together under the same king in 1380
  
• Norway and Denmark existed under a dual monarchy for about 400 years until Norway proclaimed itself a free and indivisible kingdom in a peaceful revolution on May 17, 1814
• Norway was forced into a very loose union with Sweden in 1814 that lasted until June 7, 1905, when it was dissolved and Norway became a fully independent nation
• Each "syttende mai" (17th of May) or "grunnlovsdagen" (Constitution Day) is a celebration with children's processions, speeches, music, and games. It is one of Norway's biggest celebrations of the year.

Return to Matbird/s Homepage