Norway's 17th of May celebration is first and foremost a day for the children. . Photo: Kjell Arne Nielsen
In Hanoi, around 30 Norwegians gathered for a small children’s parade around Hanoi’s West Lake. Photo: Kjell Arne NielsenA noteworthy aspect of Norwegian Constitution Day is its very non-military nature. It is in fact considered to be primarily a day for the children. All over Norway, children parade with an abundance of flags, and each elementary school district arranges its own parade with marching bands between schools. Outside of Norway, Norwegians all over the world celebrate the 17th of May with similar parades, speeches, and more. In Hanoi, around 30 Norwegians gathered for a small but memorable children’s party during the day, with a very small children’s parade around Hanoi’s West Lake district and traditional games that involved big and small alike.
Traditional games is always "on the menu" and both the old and young ones participated in Hanoi. Photo: Kjell Arne Nielsen
The most important part is not to win, but to participate (or?!). Photo: Kjell Arne NielsenEven though participating was more important than winning, the winning team enjoyed the award consisting of Scandinavian treats in particular! In the evening, several more people – but only the adults – were invited for a dinner party at the Residence of the Norwegian Ambassador.
The longer history...
The Constitution of Norway was signed at Eidsvoll, Norway on May 17, 1814 and declared Norway as an independent nation. The celebration of this day began spontaneously among students and other people in early years. At that time, Norway was under Swedish rule, but in 1905, Norway was peacefully separated from Sweden and became a truly independent country. By historical coincidence, World War II ended when the occupying German forces surrendered in Norway on May 8, 1945, just nine days before that year's Constitution Day. Even if the Liberation Day is an official flag day in Norway, the day is not broadly celebrated. Instead, a new and broader meaning had been added to the celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day on May 17.
You can read more about the Norwegian Constitution Day here.
In Hanoi, around 30 Norwegians gathered for a small but memorable 17th of May celebration. A similar event was arranged in HCMC. Photo: Kjell Arne NielsenMore information on Norway's history
Norway pre 1814
Norway post 1814
Norway during the union with Sweeden
Norway after 1905