May 17th in Oslo - Celebrating May 17th in Oslo

This is a "Beltestakk" from the east of Telemark. It existed in many different forms in the 1840s and was altered a little when it became increasingly popular again in the 1960s. Still there are many variations, but the essential cut and dark color is the same.

My bunad is partially made by my grandmother and was given to me for my confirmation at 15, with jewelries and all. I wear it at christenings, confirmations and on the National Day, and also in church at weddings. It's a very practical garnment and I am very happy with it, I especially love the headband. In the future, I would like to buy more jewelry to go with it, like buttons or a ring, perhaps.

The Telemark bunad has a wide skirt that flows especially beautiful when you dance. I was once on a school trip at Hurtigruten, and some of us wore bunads. Just for fun we danced some traditional dances, and the tourists were very much impressed.

The downsides are of course that the costume is very heavy and difficult to get on and off. Going to the ladies' room requires planning and skill!

May 17th 2009 was a success! The weather was lovely, as you can see, people were happy and no scandals as far as I can see.

Here are some photos you can enjoy while waiting for the next Norwegian National Day!

The program for May 17th 2009 in Oslo is almost ready! Here are the highlights.

Finally, the text in the flag guidelines for the children's parades now reads "the children are encouraged to carry the Norwegian, Sami or UN flag, but other flags are not prohibited". Problem solved, now all we have to do is wait for the next one!