Yesterday we celebrated Norway Constitution day, probably the biggest celebration in Norway.
Obviously, this year was a lot different, normally everyone meets in the city center to enjoy and mingle after breakfast, but the restrictions with social distancing and max 20 people made it difficult to celebrate the 17th of May the normal way this year. A lot fo Norwegians are wearing national suites, called ‘‘bunad’’, mine is from Aust Telemark, and is called ‘‘hjulet’’. I love wearing it and always looking forward to this day. Never been so grateful ever to be Norwegian as I am right now, feels safe to be back home in Norway, and proud of how great our government has dealt with the situation.
A normal 17th May celebration in Norway is meeting up with friends for breakfast around 09, usually, the breakfast is fresh bread, different sides and lots of champagne. After everyone usually gets together in the city center to watch the kids parade and dance on the tables. In the evening we usually do bbq at friends’ places with more and fun games, music and laughs. For many Norwegians, this is their favorite day of the year. At first, the Norwegian government made an announcement, that the 17th of May was probably not gonna happen this year, but as Norway has pretty good control over the virus situation the government decided to open up for smaller celebrations, with restrictions of social distancing and a maximum amount of 20 people.
We celebrated with friends, couples, and decided to do brunch this year. I started my day with a long run in the woods and got dressed and ready for brunch. Then my dear grandparents came by to say hi, and to drive me to my friend’s place. We had a really nice day, even tho the circumstances were different, but I have to say that I am really looking forward to next year, and to share the joy with the rest of the Norwegians in the city center once again.
I am praying that this will not make the virus start blossom again and that everyone still respects the rules of social distancing and not start to act lazy, just because the country slowly opens up again.
I wish you all a happy Monday and a great week!
All best, Eline Syrdalen.
Wearing - Bunad - Aust telemark ‘‘hjulet’’ - Husfliden - Sunglasses - Celine - massive silver ring - Lorange design