Sjutton De Maj: 17th of May

Last published two years ago, on May 17, 2020, this needs to be published again, because we just passed May 17, the brightest of days in Norway. I assume they celebrated it this year after a gap of two years because COVID had put damper on it.

Folks, if you are ever in Scandinavia....this is the day....you want to be in Oslo....

Enjoy pics from my trip.....

Published last year on August 30, 2019--Here it is on the day it was supposed to be published. I forgot it was May 17, actually.  You know COVID-19 and all.  There is no parade.  But my neighbour is a professor who grew up in Norway.  She was showing me her house, and her kitchen garden yesterday evening (10 pm, when it was still quite bright )--and she mentioned it. Well, this has to be shared. Especially since there was no parade this time..

Enjoy!!

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So, these pictures, that I have taken in two different years, 2018 & 2019 have such meaning for me. I have been meaning to visit Norway on 17th of May, that is Norwegian national/freedom day for so many years. 

I first heard it in a class by a colleague who was co-teaching with me.  He was explaining the syllabus to the class and said, 'We do have classes on 17th of May, do not be planning any trips to Oslo for that day.' He paused and then added, 'Or anywhere in Norway'.

                

I found out that it was Norway's national day.  And since then I had been wanting to visit and see what the hype was all about.  So finally last year I planned a trip, about two nights and three days in Norway.  Arrived the night before, on the 16th, left on the 18th morning because I wanted to make sure to get enough footage until the evening. This year I did a day trip. Arrived by 1 pm (missed earlier bus) and left by 7 pm, but still collected enough footage and experience. 

I have not yet turned the footage into a video, but am getting there, as I have worked on organizing my computer and videos for the past two months.  

So, Norway's Independence day, 17th of May is really special for Norwegians!!  They all dress up in their traditional attires. That is the most beautiful thing to see! You are surrounded by beautiful women, children men, all age groups dressed Norwegian outfits. 

             

Now, mind you, to our eyes, they all look like ‘just Norwegian outfits’.  But each outfit represents a different region. It is not easy for an outsider to understand it all but there are subtle and stark differences that can be seen in colors, embroideries, jewelry, bells and other accessories that get added onto these outfits.

Most people get these outfits when they get confirmed at the Church, as the age of fifteen. Norway is a bit more religious than Sweden.  However, they all have to get new outfits, since they grow out of the ones given to them at fifteen...obviously.  Each outfit, I was told can cost up to 15,000 Norwegian Kronor. Which can be around 2,000 USD depending on the currency exchange. 

I am told that there are certain imitation outfits and cheap versions, but then it shows that it was not given to you by your family…..

I might have to devote another post for history on the event, but to be in Oslo on 17^thof May is to be in another time.  

Lucky for me, both times it was a sunny day.  As a result, people were happy, laughing, parades that begin early in the day and go until the afternoon went very well.  The treat for all those participating in the parade is to end up at the Palace where the Royal family sits for about eight hours that day just waving at the people!!

The pics above are my favourite.  

Sometimes the shot itself is so interesting that camera, angles, art of taking picture just comes as a gift with a click!!