Formal Celebration

Shortly after my son and I arrived in Norway in 2012 we got to experience the Norwegian national holiday (aka. 17 mai or Constitution Day).  National holidays are common in only a few European countries.

One of the first things we noticed about the Norwegian celebration was the dress.  Being from North America we dressed in our most festive/patriotic outfits of red, white and blue.  We quickly noticed that the Norwegians dress in formal or traditional attire.  The traditional outfits are very elaborate, often hand made and can cost into the thousands of dollars. We did change into the nicest clothes we had with us at the time.

Parades make up a big part of the 17 mai.  The parade participants are schools and bands with anything related to the military banned.  In Oslo the parade participants will pass by the royal palace where the royal family will smile and wave for hours on end.

After the parade people may change their attire and meet at the school for games, hot dogs (polse), waffles and ice cream (is).  Another option is to have family and friends over for an outdoor meal which may require formal dress and your nicest table settings.

Unlike North Americans the day does not end with fireworks, those are saved for New Years' Eve.

The only military are the royal guards.

Dancing

School children

School children

Bands

Karl Johans gate leading to the royal palace

King Harald V in the top hat to the right of the statue

Celebration at Jar Skole

Fun and games at Jar Skole

Celebrate an Event That Hasn't Happened Yet

Each year in Norway from 20 April to 17 May high school seniors embark on an interesting and unique celebration.  During this time period students that are about to graduate take partying to a new level in a tradition referred to as "russ" (russefeiring).

The students wear red, blue or black pants which may not be washed or cleaned during the duration of the celebration.  A matching color hat may be added to the ensemble.  A second feature of interest is the russ buss.  The young men and young ladies each purchase a bus and equip it for partying with sofas, a bar, an elaborate sound system and a creative paint scheme.  The cost of each bus can range from $150,000 to over $350,000 (USD).

Partying and celebrating make up the greatest component of russ.  Communities and parents organize a few events similar to North American "Safe Grad."  The majority of the partying is left up to the students and they take it to the extreme.  To be blunt russ is based on stunts/challenges, alcohol, drugs and sex.  Stories exist of communities asking revelers to refrain from running nude across a bridge and from having sex on round-abouts (it distracts the drivers).

The clock strikes midnight on 17 May, Norway's national day.  After the celebrations have concluded the reality of final exams takes place.  Exams take place AFTER all the partying is done.

I was shocked when I first learned about russ.  One can understand the desire to celebrate but the duration, the extremes and the fact that the celebration takes place prior to exams and commencement are what surprised me.  Another interesting cultural event to add to the trove of experiences.

The last day of partying.

You can hear the music blocks away.

Red and blue pants and hats, and a trashed bus

Accordion bus.

Good Intentions, Funny Results

The above photo is some brie cheese from France which I purchased at a grocery store in Houston, TX.  The English translation of "Ile de France" is "Island of France."  Having a large passenger ship associated with the Island of France is an apparent obvious association.  The truth is that Ile de France is like a state or province in north central France (surrounding Paris) and is at least 100 miles from any body of water capable of handling a large sea going vessel.  The first time I saw this product I literally chuckled out loud in the store.  By the way, the cheese is pretty good.  A word of advice to the marketing department--do a little research making sure what you are presenting doesn't just sound nice but is correct and appropriate.

A Little Bit of France

This past weekend the weather was perfect so as a family we decided to go on a picnic.  We did not use fine china and crystal or take the entire afternoon but we had a good time and it reminded us of our many French picnics.  We tried to replicate our French picnic menu.  The park was busy with walker/runners, dogs, basketball and volleyball games, and people enjoying the day.  Unfortunately we still have not been able to find a decent baguette in Houston, nor do the local authorities look favorably on you having wine with your picnic.

Substitute a skyline for a chateau.