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On May 17, 1814, the Norwegian Constitution was signed, giving Norway independence from its 500 year union with Denmark. This constitution came about when, following the Napoleonic War, a defeated Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden without consent of the Norwegian people. This lead to a group of Norwegian delegates, who met in Eidsvoll,
to create a constitution creating an independent Norway. The delegates elected Prince Kristian Frederik to be King of Norway. As a result of their action, war with Sweden commenced. After 6 months of hostility, a peace treaty established Norway and Sweden as separate kingdoms under a common monarch, King Charles XIII, who consented to recognize the Constitution of May 17. But the Norwegian people remained unhappy with this arrangement and sought full independence. In 1905 all ties between Norway and Sweden were peacefully dissolved.
The 17th of May, known as Syttende Mai, is mainly the children's day. Throughout the country the children are parading to celebrate that Norway is an independent country.
Many Norwegian communities across the United States celebrate this day with parades, food, etc. Another way to celebrate this event is by bringing in speakers that can share their Norwegian background with their group. I present a program on Norwegian Immigration in the 19th Century. Using an immigrant trunk as a focal point, I go over what it was like to immigrate. Participants will learn of the choices immigrants had to make in moving to America. They will also learn about some of the Norwegian customs that go along with some of the items in the trunk.
If you would like me to perform before your group, please give me a call at 612-798-5053, write me: Roger Hellesvig, 5626 Nicollet Av S, Minneapolis, MN 55419, or email: OleOleson.geo@yahoo.com.
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