Rotary World Service - District 5950 Group Study Exchange 2003

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Mike Morris
John Hobday
Margit Karkela
Lynn Keillor
Alanna Simone Tyler

THE TRIP
April 22-23 - Days 1-2
April 24 - Day 3
April 25 - Day 4
April 26 - Day 5
April 27 - Day 6
April 28 - Day 7
April 29 - Day 8
April 30 - Day 9
May 1 - Day 10
May 2 - Day 11
May 3 - Day 12
May 4 - Day 13
May 5 - Day 14
May 6 - Day 15
May 7 - Day 16
May 8 - Day 17
May 9 - Day 18
May 10 - Day 19
May 11 - Day 20
May 12 - Day 21
May 13 - Day 22
May 14 - Day 23
May 15 - Day 24
May 16 - Day 25
May 17 - Day 26
May 18 - Day 27
May 19 - Day 28
May 20 - Day 29

Oslo, Norway
Syttende Mai
May 17, 2003
Margit Karkela

Today we celebrated Norway’s National Holiday, Syttende Mai.  Held on May 17^th every year, the Constitution Day is primarily intended to celebrate the memory of the men who wrote Norway’s Constitution and marks the independence from centuries of union with Denmark and Sweden. 

All over Norway, towns celebrate with colourful, festive celebrations.  People fill the streets and wearing their finest clothes and in many cases their national costume called “bunads”.  Just imagine the Minnesota State Fair with everyone wearing suits or their most festive clothes.  Can you picture it?  I mean everyone dresses up, even the teenage boys!  (Photo right: Syttende mai is the Norwegian constitution day, celebrated with parades throughout the country. The biggest parade of all is in Oslo, as tens of thousands of children parade past the palace and royal family for three hours.)

And if they are not wearing a regular suit, they may be wearing their National Costume the bunad.  Each area of the country has its own unique version of the women’s and men’s bunad.  They are all very beautiful and very expensive outfits, many times costing around $7000.  We have been told that these costumes were out of style back in the 1970s, but today they are seen all around and are worn to all special occasions such as confirmations, Syttende Mai, weddings, etc.

There is also one other group that cannot be left out, the Russ.  Beginning May 1^st, the graduating class has two weeks to celebrate before moving into adulthood.  Now, I remember some senior year “traditions” at my high school, I think something may have involved the use of toilet paper.  But, it is nothing like the traditions of the Russ.    This tradition has been around for generations and the Russ are easily identified by their clothing, either a red, blue, green, or black overalls.  For two weeks they can be spotted all around town driving their brightly decorated minivans or buses with their music blasting.  Their overalls and hats reflect the many challenges they must complete during their two week long celebration.  They, also even have their own parade after the regular children’s parade.  The celebrated ends for them on the 17^th and the complete their final exams in the following weeks before the move into their next phase in life.   

Generally, the festivals start the day with a canon salute and the playing of the national anthem.  Afterwards the children’s parades begin and each school sends their band and students carrying Norwegian flags and cheering. 

We were certainly in for a treat today, not only because we were able to experience Syttende Mai, but we were celebrating in the heart of it all, Oslo!  After having a nice breakfast at our respective host’s homes we all met downtown near the National Theatre and headed towards the Royal Palace.   As out of town guests, we were privileged to have a wonderful vantage point for the parade right in front of the Royal Palace.  (Photo right: Our gracious Rotary hosts arranged for viewing the parade from right in front of the Royal Palace.)

From our location we had a great view of as the King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit as they made their appearance to the cheering crowd.  After the national anthem was played, the parade started.  And for approximately the next three hours, the Royal family waved to the children from over 100 Oslo schools that paraded past them.

Our vantage point was also very special because it looks over the main street of Oslo, Karl Johan Gate.  You could see the parade pass by with people lined up along the street to cheer them on.  It was an incredible view of thousands of people showing pride their history, culture and the red, white, and blue colors of their county.  (Photo left: Karl Johans Gate is filled with 100,000 people, with many in traditional national costumes, called "bunader".)

After about an hour and a half from our “royal” vantage point we headed down the road to Jan Helgerud’s office.  From this office balcony we were able to watch the rest of the parade and have an eagle’s eye view of the Parliament’s president waving to the children below. 

After the parade ended we made our way be to the Norwegian Theathre where we were treated to a nice lunch and good company.  Of course, a Syttende Mai lunch wouldn’t be complete without a skål (toast) to Norge (Norway) and the 17^th of May.

After lunch we all met up with our host families and joined them for the evening.  As a national holiday, it is customary to have a gathering in the evening of family or friends.  I had a very special and unique experience for my evening.  My host’s Zahra Moini and Farrokh Nadim are originally from Iran.  After grad school in the United States, they have spent the last 15 years in Norway.  They spend their evening with other friends from Iran.  I joined in for some traditional Iranian food including pickled potatoes and sour cherries – I am sure they would have laughed if they saw my reaction when I tasted them.  I wasn’t expecting them to be pickled.  (Photo right: Mike's host Kristin (right) and friend Liv display "bunader" specific to different rural areas of Norway.)

What amazed me most, however, is how many languages were spoken that evening.  The conversation was carried on in Norwegian, Farsi, and English.  I am a bit embarrassed to say I was the only one who speaks only one language.  Wow, now I know why we have language lessons in school.  Regardless of the language barriers for me, however, it was still a very enjoyable evening and body language does tell a story even when the jokes do not translate well. 

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