"Independence Day in Norway isn't popular, but instead, Constitution Day is the day of their national celebrations. What other countries call their Independence Day, Norway celebrates on Constitution Day.
When Is Independence Day and Constitution Day?

Norway's actual Independence Day is on June 7. In Norway, Constitution Day falls on May 17. It is Constitution Day, which is the national holiday that is celebrated like other countries' Independence Day.

Constitution Day

So what is so special about May 17? The story behind May 17 represents Norway's act to avoid being ceded to Sweden after losing a protracted and devastating war. The Norwegian constitution was the most modern in Europe at the time [1814 AD/CE].

Constitution Day Celebrations

It's good to know that Norwegians celebrate their national day differently than the other Scandinavian countries, making it an exciting event for travelers. On May 17, visitors and locals alike watch the colorful processions of children with their banners, flags, and bands, as you would see during Independence Day celebrations in many other countries.

This holiday in Norway is a spring celebration with a festive mood throughout the country, especially in the capital of Oslo. In Oslo, the Norwegian royal family waves to the passing processions from the palace balcony.

Another special characteristic that contributes to making Constitution Day a unique holiday is all the beautiful "Bunads" (the traditional Norwegian costumes) you can see the locals wear. What an experience for visitors." ~ Terri Mapes, tripsavvy.com/independence-day-or-constitution-day-in-norway-1625971

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Why is Constitution Day so Special?

"1. What led up to the signing of the constitution

In 1397, Queen Margaret I of Denmark established the Kalmar Union which joined Norway, Denmark, and Sweden under her rule. Sweden rebelled in 1523 and the Kalmar Union ended, resulting in the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway.

The people of Norway suffered a loss of liberties; especially following the decree of absolutist and hereditary rule based in Denmark. In the 18th century, Denmark began to lose its stronghold over Norway. Frederick VI (1768 – 1839) was the last ruler of the Denmark-Norway Kingdom.

2. The signing of the constitution

After the king allied with Napoleon Bonaparte, Denmark suffered. And so, it ceded Norway to Sweden in January of 1814.

Norway didn’t accept this and fought for its own sovereignty. The country created its own constitution and signed it into effect on May 17, 1814, by a Constituent Assembly of 112 delegates. The constitution was signed at Eidsvoll Manor House, a private home belonging to Carsten Anker (the owner of company Eidsvoll Ironworks).

In July of 1814, Sweden invaded Norway and the country’s short-lived independence was over – for now. Because it had its own constitution, Norway entered into a union with Sweden as an independent state in August of 1814.

3. What happened after the constitution was signed

Tensions steadily rose between Norway and Sweden due to inequality and an increasing Norwegian national sense of pride.

In all foreign policy matters, Norway was still subordinate to Sweden. So, the Norwegian National Assembly decided to establish a consular service of their own at the beginning of the 20th century. Joint ruler of Norway and Sweden King Oscar II refused to sanction the service and the Norwegian government promptly resigned.

The king couldn’t appoint a new Norwegian government, and on June 7, 1905, the Norway-Sweden union was dissolved.

4. Constitution Day isn’t the same as Norway’s Independence Day

Norway has, then, two important national days: Union Dissolution Day and Independence Day.

Union Dissolution day is celebrated as the Norway Independence Day. Though not a public holiday, it’s observed on June 7, and flags are also flown across the county for the occasion.

Norway Constitution Day, which is a public holiday, is observed each year on May 17 and includes celebrations galore.

5. Norway’s is the third-oldest constitution in the world

The oldest constitution in the world is that of the United States (signed on September 17, 1787), followed by Poland’s (signed on May 3, 1791), and then Norway’s (signed on May 17, 1814).

This also makes Norway’s the second-oldest in Europe.

6. The 1814 constitution of Norway was revolutionary

Norway’s constitution was considered pretty radical for its time.

It declared rulers were to be elected – and 40% of eligible people could vote, which was a high percentage for the early 19th century.

Additionally, aristocratic titles were to be abolished and freedom of speech (with emphasis on any aimed toward the government) was to be allowed at all times." ~ Lara Rasin, norwaytoday.info/culture/norway-constitution-day-17-facts-about-may-17

Images

(1) Norwegian Flag. Photo Mark König_Unsplash - Norway Today
norwaytoday.info/culture/norway-constitution-day-17-facts-about-may-17

(2) Oslo-May-Norwegian-Constitution-Day
by Nanisimova
shutterstock.com/image-photo/oslo-may-17-norwegian-constitution-day-193354163

(3) Parade of Children
everyculture.com/No-Sa/Norway.html

(4) Norwegian Constitution Day Parade in Seattle. 2009.05.17
by Daniel Berman/Seattlepi.com
"A banner for the Leif Erikson lodge is held up by Court Potter before the start of the Norwegian Constitution Day parade in Ballard."
seattlepi.com/news/slideshow/Norwegian-Constitution-Day-Parade-5-17-2009-5721.php

(5) Drummers on Parade
by Hannah
fiskenfjorder.blogspot.com/2011/05/norwegian-constitution-day.html

(6) Young Woman with Green Headdress
Uploaded by Sara Heck saved to Norsk/Scandinavia
pinterest.com/pin/111041947034097044/

(7) Young Men Dressed in 1814 Garb
by Hannah
fiskenfjorder.blogspot.com/2011/05/norwegian-constitution-day.html

(8) Viking Homage
"Celia Shortt Goodyear/Boulder City Review The Sons of Norway Constitution Day celebration at Bicentennial Park on May 17 featured the replica of a Viking ship in which people of all ages enjoyed dressing up, including, from left, Mariah Torgesen, Ella Morris, Spencer Torgesen and Callie Torgesen."
bouldercityreview.com/community/seen-on-scene-at-the-sons-of-norway-constitution-day-celebration/

(9) Window Display and Celebrations for Constitution Day in Oslo
Contributor: Jackietraveller Oslo / AlamyStock Photo
alamy.com/stock-photo-window-display-and-celebrations-for-constitution-day-in-oslo-72923111.html

(10) F-104 Starfighter, designed by Lockheed’s ace engineer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson
reddit.com/r/hoggit/comments/gli1m0/happy_constitution_day_norway/
"The collaboration between the German government and Lockheed was so successful that other foreign nations quickly followed suit, purchasing licensing rights for the aircraft over the ensuing decades." ~ lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/history/f-104.html