The National Day of Norway is celebrated as Constitution Day on 17th May annually commemorating the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in Eidsvoll, 17 May 1814. Observed by Norwegians, the day is a reminder of the historic signing of the Norwegian Constitution in Eidsvoll, on 17 May 1814. Please scroll down to learn more about the Constitution Day of Norway along with its history, traditions, and so on.
Norway Constitution Day 2024
Constitution Day of Norway is an official national holiday and is celebrated as a public holiday on May 17 each year. The holiday, among Norwegians, known as "Nasjonaldagen" (National Day), "Grunnlovsdagen" (Constitution Day), and "Syttende Mai" (Seventeenth of May). Norwegian Constitution Day in 2024 falls on Friday, May 17.
History of Norwegian Constitution Day
On 17 May 1814, The Norwegian Constitution was signed at Eidsvoll. The Constitution declared Norway to be an independent kingdom, not to surrender to Sweden, after the devastating defeat of Denmark–Norway in the Napoleonic Wars.
Celebrations of the day started spontaneously from the beginning by the students and others. For a few years in the 1820s, King Karl Johan banned the celebrations, believing that such celebrations were, in fact, a form of protest and defiance, or rebellion against the union. The king’s mind changed after the Battle of the Square in 1829, an incident that became so controversial that the king had to renew the celebrations of the day. However, the first public speech marking the day was held in 1833 and began holding official ceremonies at the monument of Christian Krohg, a former government minister who had devoted much of his political career to curbing royal power.
The day became even more popular when the first children’s parade began in Christiania after 1864. Initially, the parade consisted of only boys. Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson took the initiative although Wergeland held the first known children’s parade in Eidsvoll around 1820. In 1899, girls were allowed to join the parade for the first time. In 1905, the union with Sweden was dissolved and Prince Carl of Denmark was elected King of an independent Norway, under the name of Haakon VII.
At the time of World War II, under Nazi occupation, it was strictly forbidden for Norwegians to celebrate May 17, in any procession, or to wear the colours of the Norwegian flag on clothing. Therefore, the Norwegian flag became a powerful symbol of Norway’s liberation on 8 May 1945.
In a historical coincidence, World War II in Norway ended nine days before that year’s Constitution Day, when the German occupying forces surrendered. Although Liberation Day is Norway’s official Flag Day, the day is not an official holiday and is not widely celebrated. Instead, a new and significant meaning has been added to the celebration of Norway’s Constitution Day on 17 August, to mark the victory over Nazi oppression.
How Does Norway Celebrate Constitution Day
Constitution Day is celebrated throughout Norway in most small settlements and cities, with several variations. Highlights of the day include - Parades, flag-flying, speeches, and memorials. Here are the ways to celebrate Norway's Constitution Day -
In Oslo (Norway's capital city), children from most of the local schools gather for a parade at the Royal Palace, where they and the Royal Family receive waves and greetings. In the municipality of Asker outside Oslo, children gather outside the residence of the crown prince and princess at Skaugum Estate later in the day (giving the Crown Prince and his family time to attend the Oslo parade).
Bergen has unique traditions for the parade including comic troupes and unique buekorps. while in Trondheim, besides the children's parade the "Citizens Parade" (Borgertoget) begins in the evening. The parade represents firefighters, sports teams, student associations and other associations.
The day in Stavanger commences with a salute at 7.00 am. Later, there is the Children’s Parade, the Russ Parade and then the Citizens' Parade held. An international festival day is also organised in Bjerkstedparken every May 17th.
In Kristiansand, besides parades of school children on the day, the city is known to conclude National Day with a downtown run ("Tap to") and a spectacular fireworks display. A trad jazz band with local touches plays until midnight in front of the Christiansholm Fortress for those who intend to continue the party until midnight.
In addition to children’s parades throughout the country, there are games for the children. Most places are filled with people young and old in festive outfits, and vendors selling ice cream, pop sweets, hot dogs and, lately, kebabs.
Even though April 17 is National Day, foreigners are welcome to participate in all activities.
Additional Celebration
Early morning speeches and wreaths are held at memorials across Norway to commemorate war martyred and other prominent citizens.
Besides flags, people wear red, white and blue ribbons. Though traditional, in recent years, men, women and children have preferred to wear the traditional dress, 'bunad" and the children shout "Hurra!".
During the parade, a marching band performs and children sing lyrics about the National Day celebration. The parade ends with the singing of the national anthem "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" (typically verses 1, 7 and 8) and the royal anthem "Kongesangen". All parades begin or end with speeches where both grown-ups and older children are invited to speak.
The Longest Parade
The longest parade is held in Oslo, where around 100,000 people travel to the city centre to take part in the festivities. Oslo’s main parade includes about 100 schools, and marching bands, and passes through the royal palace, where the royal family greets the crowd from a large balcony.
Flag of Norway and Its Significance
The flag of Norway (Bokmål: Norges Flagg; Nynorsk: Norges Flagg) is a red field charged with a white fimbriated dark blue Nordic cross that extends along the border; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the lifting direction.
The current flag of Norway was designed 201 years ago by Fredrik Meltzer, a member of parliament and was adopted on 13 July 1821. It has an official proportion of 8:11.
The colours of the Norwegian flag represent the country's freedom and liberation. The indigo blue cross symbolises the union between Norway and Sweden and its past connection with Denmark. It has a symbol associated with Christianity, which you'll find in numerous Nordic countries.
National Symbols of Norway
Norway has many official and unofficial symbols that reflect its rich culture and landscape. Norway’s royal animal is the lion which is also featured on the coat of arms. Another symbol of animal and bird is the White-throated Dipper, which is unique to the county.
Take a look at some of Norway’s most famous landmarks and what they represent -
- National Colours: Red, white and indigo blue
- National Tree: Norway spruce
- National Animal: The moose
- National Bird: White-throated dipper t
- National Flower: Bergfrue
- National Fruit: Apples
- National Dress: Bunad
- National Dish: Farikal
National Anthem of Norway
"Ja, vi elsker dette landet" is Norway's national anthem whose English translation is: "Yes, we love this country", originally a patriotic song. It became Norway's de facto national anthem in the early 20th century, being used in conjunction with "Sønner av Norge" from the 1860s. It was officially adopted on 11 December 2019.
The lyrics were composed by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson between 1859 and 1868 and were first publicly presented on April 17, 1864, the 50th anniversary of Constitution Day. Generally, only the first and last two verses are sung.
National Motto of Norway
Norway has no state motto, but the royal motto of the reigning monarch can be added. The motto of the last three monarchs was "Alt for Norge" (English: All for Norway) since 1905.
Happy Norwegian Constitution Day 2024 Wishes & Message
A special aspect of Norway’s Constitution Day is that there is still no military presence. Throughout Norway, children’s parades with multiple flags are central elements of the celebration.
Below we have compiled a collection of wishes and messages to wish your loved one a happy Constitution Day -
- Freedom in thought and heart, faith in words; the pride of our hearts and the memories of our souls. Happy Constitution Day of Norway!
- May that brighter star in its course visits no land freer, happier, and more loving than our land. Happy Constitution Day! Gratulerer med dagen!
- Let every teacher teach his student how to love this country, and let every parent inculcate in their sons and daughters the beauty of our country. Happy Constitution Day!
- Nothing is happier than to be free. Let us remember those great warriors for whom we can live freely today. Happy Norwegian Constitution Day!
Norway Constitution Day 2024 Status, Captions
Be it in Norway or abroad, Norwegian Constitution Day (grunnlovsdag) is always celebrated filled with lively parades and rallies. Here is a list of statuses to post on Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram -
- Norway means Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. May our dream of a new tomorrow come true for us. Happy Constitution Day!
- Imagine what we would be like if we did not have a free country today. So respect and remember the leaders, the martyrs, and those who gave us freedom. Gratulerer med dagen!
- In matters of power, no more than confidence in man, but bind him with the fetters of the Constitution from devilry. Gratulerer's med dagen!
- The quality of the constitution, which represents the will of the general population, is the shield. Happy Norwegian Constitution Day!
Norway Constitution Day 2024 SMS, Greetings
Throughout Norway, the holiday is celebrated with colourful parades holding flags, banners and marching bands. Share these short messages (SMS) on this day to wish everyone a great Norwegian Constitution Day -
- Celebrate this Constitution Day with all your heart. Gratulerer med dagen!
- Nothing makes me happier than being free and living in such a wonderful country freely. Happy Norwegian Constitution Day!
- Our Constitution was designed exclusively for good and religious people. Happy Norwegian Constitution Day!
- 17th May is the date independent Norway was born. Celebrate the day with pride and joy. Gratulerer med dagen!
Norwegian Constitution Day Quotes, Sayings, and Proverbs
With children’s parades, marching bands, traditional clothing, hot dogs and lots of ice cream; Norwegian Constitution Day is truly a unique occasion. These quotes, sayings and proverbs from Norway will surely give you an insight into this wonderful country and lots of inspiration -
“The prison system in Norway is fairly civilized, by world standards, and so are the prisoners and the guards.” – Varg Vikernes
“We have to find compromises. That’s the way it is in Norway.” – Kjell Magne Bondevik
“The best friends are fewest.”– Norwegian Quote
“Either conform to the customs or flee the country.”– Norwegian Quote
“The pardon may be more severe than the penalty.”– Norwegian Saying
“Don’t sell the hide until you’ve shot the bear.”– Norwegian Saying
“Old habit, hard to turn.”– Norwegian Saying
“When the cat is gone, the mice dance on the table.” – Norwegian Saying
“Do not count a person’s years, until he has nothing else to count.” – Norwegian Saying
“He that makes himself a sheep shall be eaten by the wolf.” – Norwegian Saying
“It is the law that judges, not the judge.”– Norwegian Proverb
“The fair wind blows even if the sailor does not see it.”– Norwegian Proverb
“Behind the clouds, the sky is always blue.”– Norwegian Proverb
Norway became an independent country in 1814, as the Norwegian Constitution was unanimously adopted by the Eidsvoll Assembly on 16th May. It was signed and came into effect the following day, the 17th. During the day, Norwegians take to the streets, many wearing traditional folk costumes known as bunads.