Celebrating Syttende Mai at New Journey

Syttende Mai, Seventeenth of May.

Roger and Beulah Westland and Inger Johnsen pictured with homemade goodies from Norway heritage to celebrate the May 17th holiday called Syttende Mai.

Photo Credit: Cindi Brady

This is the most significant holiday in Norway, akin to our Fourth of July, but it is celebrated not by independence but by creating a constitution. It is properly called Constitution Day.  The date was May 17, 1814.  The Danes ruled Scandinavia for roughly 300 years before 1814.  Norway and Sweden created constitutions in 1814, although Norway had its constitution, Sweden controlled both countries until June 7, 1905.  In a bloodless separation, Norway activated its constitution on this date and asked a young Danish prince to be their king.  As a Dane, he was Prince Carl, and on accepting the Norwegian throne, he became Haaken VII. 

 In modern times, the day begins with cannon booms. Children march early in the day, followed by adult parades, with many wearing Bunad folk costumes. Speeches and bands in gathering places, and by day's end families go to their homes for a traditional meal.  At New Journey, our reception following worship included a 10-foot Norwegian banner, often flown in place of their flag.  We served potato lefse, krumkakke, fattigmann, pickled herring, and cream puffs that surpassed those served in Norway.

Roger Westland