Syttende Mai, Norways Constitution Day.
May 17 is one of Norways more celebrated days.
Norwegans got their own constitution in 1814.
After a wreckless war from the Swedish King Charles XII (Karl XII). King Charles got shot on the battle field, possible from one one of his own. The Swedish army was tired of endless wars against half the Europe.
Norway wanted to be on their own. Free from Denmark and Sweden.
So they signed a constitution. Which protected them from the Swedes that forced them into a Union for almost 100 years.
Norway was from that moment an own country again. But forced into a union with the Swedes.
In 1905 the two countries parted ways.
Sometimes the 17 of May is called the National day of Norway. And are celebrated as such. In a way their fellow Scandinavians don´t.
Besides all the Nationalism on that day.
The Norwegan Students do their version of Valborg, called Russ. Where they go bananas for real. Crazy student stuff and alcohol, and they part for days, not hours. Dressed in their red boiler suits and student caps. I would dare to say they party harder and more explicit than the Swedish students.
