Nasjonaldagen- National day! Syttende Mai
Grunnlovsdagen-Constitution Day.
Grunnlovsdagen-Constitution Day.
----
Every year on May 17th, Norwegians across the world celebrate on this day. This is the day commemorating the creation of Norway’s Constitution , May 17 probably the most important day on the Norwegian calendar. Everyone celebrates the occasion , but few of us are familiar with the provisions set into motion with the constitution, the reason for the celebration. Since the time of the Vikings, about the year 700, the territory of Norway had chiefs and kings. So, why did it take so long to form a constitution? Constant warfare between these chief/kings and their alliances kept their worldly affair in constant flux.Winners demanded, losers were forced to made deals.
judicial powers.Checking a few interesting sections:
Article One described
-----
The new Norwegian constitution, signed in Eidsvoll in 1814 finally declared Norway to be free of territorial control by other countries. This new constitution consisted of 122 articles finalizing laws governing the form of government, executive powers, rights of citizens and 
judicial powers.Checking a few interesting sections:
----
The kingdom of Norway to be a free, independent, indivisible realm with a hereditary monarchy. There will still be a king.. or a queen. The newly elected king was “The Crown Prince of Denmark-Norway Christian Frederick!”
( That’s another story!)
( That’s another story!)
----
Article Two concerns freedom of religion. This article states that all citizens have the right to freely exercise their religion. However, the king is the supreme governor and protector of the church of Norway and decrees bishops while overseeing the church. The Evangelical Lutheran Religion is the official religion of the state. The King must stay in this faith.
----
Article Five goes on to state
that the King’s person is sacred, he cannot be censured or accused. The king has legal sovereign immunity.
While the constitution of Norway grants important executive powers to the king, the legal decisions and power are almost always exercised by the council of state “in the name of the king”. The Norwegian king is said to be a “symbol of national unity, however ceremonial”.
----
This is in stark contrast to the powers of “kings past”. Norway has had the misfortune of being under another country’s control since the early days of Harald Fairhair and collections of petty kingdoms. At one time, Norway, Sweden and Denmark were one union.
Norway, later, through battles and marriages came under the control of Denmark . Under Danish control, Denmark-Norway fought England-Sweden. Denmark lost and had to give Norway to Sweden! Many combinations of kings, queens and princes created a confusing history. This finally brought things to a head and Norway declared their independence in 1814. The constitution was based, in part, on our U.S. Constitution with some interesting variations.
----
Another article states that a princess or prince entitled to succeed to the crown may not marry without the consent of the King. The king has powers, if ratified by the “storting” or ruling parliament.
----
Other articles concerned liberty of the press and speech similar to our rights including “Everyone shall be free to speak his mind frankly on the administration or on any other subject whatsoever.
----
Norwegian Constitution Day is a National Day of Norway and an official holiday observed on May 17th each year. Syttende Mai, May 17th, an official flag day, is not a patriotic or military celebration, but one based on the children of Norway and the nation’s future.
Article Two concerns freedom of religion. This article states that all citizens have the right to freely exercise their religion. However, the king is the supreme governor and protector of the church of Norway and decrees bishops while overseeing the church. The Evangelical Lutheran Religion is the official religion of the state. The King must stay in this faith.
----
Article Five goes on to state
that the King’s person is sacred, he cannot be censured or accused. The king has legal sovereign immunity.
While the constitution of Norway grants important executive powers to the king, the legal decisions and power are almost always exercised by the council of state “in the name of the king”. The Norwegian king is said to be a “symbol of national unity, however ceremonial”.
----
This is in stark contrast to the powers of “kings past”. Norway has had the misfortune of being under another country’s control since the early days of Harald Fairhair and collections of petty kingdoms. At one time, Norway, Sweden and Denmark were one union.
Norway, later, through battles and marriages came under the control of Denmark . Under Danish control, Denmark-Norway fought England-Sweden. Denmark lost and had to give Norway to Sweden! Many combinations of kings, queens and princes created a confusing history. This finally brought things to a head and Norway declared their independence in 1814. The constitution was based, in part, on our U.S. Constitution with some interesting variations.----
Article 37 describes rights and privileges of royalty.
The Royal Princes and Princesses shall not personally be answerable to anyone other that the King.
----
----
Norwegian Constitution Day is a National Day of Norway and an official holiday observed on May 17th each year. Syttende Mai, May 17th, an official flag day, is not a patriotic or military celebration, but one based on the children of Norway and the nation’s future.
Happy Holiday to you! Did you hang your flag out? Looks like a fun celebration day. You should start something in Sheboygan.
ReplyDelete