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.
14 comments:
Happy independence day, and a lutefiske free day, too!
If I leave the U.S. you'll find me in the land of my ancestors. Not sure about the fish though.
This used to be a delightful holiday in Ballard, home to many Norwegians. I wonder if they still have parties there!
Happy Indy Day!!
I enjoyed my visit to Norway many years ago and would love to return.....but you can keep the fish thing!
You say that Norway's constitution is the third oldest existing constitution. The way the US constitution is being treated Norway may move up.
Thank you! My paternal grandparents immigrated from Sweden, I should read about Sweden's national holiday.
We really don't know much about other countries. I really like lefse
I have heard of lutefisk and know for sure I will never try it. The parade looks packed in like sardines.
A good reason to celebrate.
Happy May 17!
Lefse and meatballs yes; rutabaga no. :)
Linda 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.
No cod for me!
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