Happy May 17th!

Cousin Theodor getting his ancient Norseman on

This gorgeous young man is my Norwegian cousin's son, Theodor.  He is wearing a traditional Norwegian folk costume, called a bunad.  This particular herrebunad comes from the area of Norway called Telemark.  Each area, or valley, of Norway has its own traditional bunad designs.  They are all very beautiful and have tons of elaborate embroidery on them.

Theodor is getting spruced up for a very special Norwegian holiday called simply the 17th of May - it's the Norwegian version of our Independence day.  Norway is the only sovereign nation (that I know of) created without the shedding of blood.  They declared their own parliament and constitution and peacefully broke away from Sweden many years ago.

Women in traditional bunads leading a group of flag-waving Norwegians

On the 17th of May everyone in Norway, no matter what town they are in, goes to see a special parade made up of all the school children - from the tiniest 7 yr-old first grader (that's when Norwegian children start school) to the more adult University students.  They are all carrying Norwegian flags.

Nearly every school has their own band that plays and marches ahead of the children. The streets come alive in a sea of red, white and blue - the Norwegian colors.  Norway's flag bears the Crusader's Cross, a remnant of medieval times.

After the Parade, everyone goes home for boiled hot dogs wrapped in a type of potato tortilla, called a lompe.  It may sound funny, but these are very good!  Ice cream is usually served for dessert.  

Unlike many other countries, the parades on the 17th of May offer no displays of military might or marching soldiers.  The 17th of May is a sweet, peaceful celebration of families and children.  

So, Happy 17th of May to all of you Norskies out there!  

I personally think it should be like March 17th - you know everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day.  So, I think everyone should be Norwegian on May 17th!