That seemingly meaningless conglomeration of letters titling this post is actually Norwegian, for Norwegian Independence Day.
In Norway it's more commonly called Syttende mai: Seventeenth of May; or Nasjonaldagen: National Day; or Grunnlovsdagen: Constitution Day.
It marks the day in 1814 when the Constitution of Norway was signed.
It is the third oldest written constitution still in use.
There are parades past the Royal Palace and throughout the country.
Wikipedia tells me people eat hot dogs, waffles and ice cream on this national holiday.
Hot dogs?
As a Norwegian American I can tell you that lefse (a soft flatbread spread with butter and sugar and rolled up), meatballs, and rutabaga are culinary delights of the day.
But many of my Norwegian friends and relatives would scorn me for telling you to never, ever try lutefisk (cod cured in lye and served with lots of butter).
The smell alone would kill you.
But that's my final negative warning for the day.
Happy independence day, and a lutefiske free day, too!
ReplyDeleteIf I leave the U.S. you'll find me in the land of my ancestors. Not sure about the fish though.
ReplyDeleteThis used to be a delightful holiday in Ballard, home to many Norwegians. I wonder if they still have parties there!
ReplyDeleteHappy Indy Day!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed my visit to Norway many years ago and would love to return.....but you can keep the fish thing!
ReplyDeleteYou say that Norway's constitution is the third oldest existing constitution. The way the US constitution is being treated Norway may move up.
ReplyDeleteThank you! My paternal grandparents immigrated from Sweden, I should read about Sweden's national holiday.
ReplyDeleteWe really don't know much about other countries. I really like lefse
ReplyDeleteI have heard of lutefisk and know for sure I will never try it. The parade looks packed in like sardines.
ReplyDeleteA good reason to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteHappy May 17!
ReplyDeleteLefse and meatballs yes; rutabaga no. :)
ReplyDeleteLinda Sand
I never heard of this holiday until this year. They sure do it up right. A man was making lease at the salt festival, but I had just eaten a big cinnamon bun so didn't try it. Kinda wish I had though.
ReplyDeleteNo cod for me!
ReplyDelete