Norwegian Constitution Day

This is the national day of Norway and is an official public holiday. The Constitution of Norway was signed at Eidsvoll on 17th May 1814. The declaration declared Norway to be an independent kingdom in an attempt to avoid it being ceded to Sweden after Denmark-Norway’s defeat in the Napoleonic Wars. This established an union between Sweden and Norway. The celebration of the day was spontaneous early on, and then was banned by King Charles XIV John, as it was looked like a revolt against the Union. His views changed after the Battle of the Square in 1829, which meant he allowed commemorations of the day. In 1833 public addresses were held, then in 1864 a children’s parade was held, which was boys only until 1899. In 1905 the Union was Sweden was dissolved, and during World War II celebrations were banned. The War ended just 9 days before the 17th May, so this day is now often celebrated as victory of the Nazi oppression.