May 17, 1814, marks both Norway's declaration of independence from Sweden and the
day on which its constitution was signed.

At that time, however, the king of Sweden still ruled Norway, and true independence
didn't come until 1905, when the union with Sweden was dissolved and Norway chose its
own king. Nevertheless, this day remains the great spring festival in Norway, and today
it is celebrated primarily by young people.

The children's procession in Oslo, the capital city, is the largest of many school parades
throughout the country.

Marching behind their school bands and banners, the children pass under the balcony of
the Royal Palace in salute to the king.

Students who are about to graduate from secondary school and enter college cheer and
spin their tasseled caps in the air on bamboo canes.

In the afternoon, many neighborhoods have celebrations of their own so that children
who are too young to participate in the school parades may march near their homes.

Everyone joins in the procession, waving Norwegian flags, leading dogs, and pushing
baby carriages. Eventually they congregate in the town square to listen to patriotic
speeches and play games.

May 17 has been celebrated since the 1820s and is sometimes referred to as Norway's
National Day or Norway's Liberation Day

Full story:
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Norway+Constitution+Day

Mike Dippel

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