17 Mai (May 17)
Today, May 17th, is Constitution Day in Norway, the biggest holiday of the year. Randi, her husband Thorbyen, and Thorva (the younger daughter), all got up early to get ready for the children’s parade. Thorva had already left by the time I got downstairs.
Randi, Thorbyen, and Turenn (the elder daughter) all got on their bunads, their national costume. Theirs are called “Westland bunad” or “Hardanger bunad” being from the western region. The women wear bright white cotton blouses trimmed with lace, a vest/skirt duo with a long black pleated skirt, a chest plate with embroidery and lovely beadwork, a white apron with more lace, an embroidered belt over that, tights, and black shoes with silver buckles. Everything is held together with silver and gold jewelry, often with little parts that flutter when they walk. Randi wears a gold “wife’s belt” instead of an embroidered one.
The bunads are lovely and ubiquitous. Everywhere we went today, people had on their bunads, saying “gratulerer med dagen” (congratulations with the day) to others. We went downtown and watched the children’s parade — so cute with the little ones in their bunad outfits. I did hear the national anthem, and also “Norway, red, white and blue” quite a bit.
After the parade, we went to watch Thorva’s band play at the senior home. The band stood at attention in the courtyard, playing patriotic songs, while residents who couldn’t attend the parade came out in wheelchairs and walkers to watch from the balconies. It was a sweet sight. It made me think of people who have been so kind and generous to Dad over the past few years, and I felt very moved.
Later Randi and I went to the Rotary meeting, and I gave my first presentation. People had given us 17 mai pins and streamers, plus we had our Rotary patches and pins — a lot of flair. I spoke about Civil Rights in Alabama, which at least some people heard, because they came to me afterwards and mentioned how Norway is so interested in human rights. A couple have been active in Amnesty International, which is always nice to hear.
I learned an interesting Norwegian word yesterday, janteloven. “Jante” was a Danish author, and “loven” means “law.” Combined, they represent the aspiration not to stand out too much, not to outstrip others. A couple of Norwegians (or at least, one Norwegian and one American-Norwegian) have expressed dissatisfaction with this aspect of Norwegian culture, which keeps students from motivating themselves to excel. I can see how a parent might prefer outstanding kids, but I also appreciate the security that I perceive in Norwegians, who know that they don’t have to be special to be appreciated.
Right now my thoughts are turning to coffee. We still have fireworks to watch at 11:00 tonight. It won’t be dark till then, I suppose. With luck it won’t be wet.
Tags: Travel
