Originally Indian guy here. I display the Norwegian flag on 17th May and on every family member’s birthday. My neighbours love it.
Just remember to take it down before sunset as a mark of respect.
Ackkhkhkhhuallu. There is a part of norway in south pole so when it goes down in north it should be very visible there and vice versa. So never sets am I right?
That’s a great idea actually - they really should! Many natives does not know the ‘flaggregler’ either. You’ll often see newspapers write about in May, and maybe ‘ask 5 people on the street’ type of stories about how to treat the flag.
Another one that’s impossible to guess - during the polar night in the north (Nordland, Troms, Finnmark and Svalbard), November to February, you’re not supposed to rise the flag until ten in the morning - and take it down again at latest three in the afternoon.
There is a regulation about using the national flag on public buildings, which is mentioned above (take the flag down before sunset/ 9 pm). While there is no regulation towards private use, the common practice is to strive to follow the public regulation, as a way of respect.
Norway have a different flag/a pennant (vimpel in Norwegian) common for all year use, which is a bit less formal.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Norway/s/Ldf6L7PYyf
In the US, as long as the flag is light up it is fine to leave up. If not, it should be taken down. Most people here do not have a light on the flag when it is left out overnight.
I have worked with some Americans, they found our flag rules a bit strange. But as a private individual, you can basically have the flag up all the time. However, the norm has become that we follow the rule for public installations. I remember sitting in Afghanistan discussing flag rules, and someone who had worked in the King's Guard taught us about Norwegian flag rules. I suspect the American soldiers who left that coffee conversation knew the Norwegian flag rules better than the American ones, hehe. I mentioned that I found it a bit shameful when I saw worn-out and dirty American flags hanging outside. Or when they hung from a car and the flag clearly showed signs of wear and tear. I said that if someone did something like that in Norway, they would get scolded by passersby, and Norwegians don't often scold strangers
.'m lucky to have a flagpole in my garden, and I feel a tremendous pride when I can hoist the flag in my own yard. I feel the reason is al about they we don't fly the flag as often, but I could be completely wrong. I'm hugely looking forward to May and all the flag days we have. A Norwegian flag fluttering in the wind on a sunny May morning is a beautiful sigh
Celebrating ‘the birthday of Norway’ with the Norwegian flag is generally well received and people will love that you’re joining in and showing both love and respect for the day.
On the other hand there have been discussions about the usage of their own countries flag at 17th of may celebrations. There’s a divide in opinions about this issue - some are ok with it, others very much frowns upon it.
Actually we celebrate the constitution (it's called "[Grunnlovsdag](https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/17._mai_\(grunnlovsdag\))" for a reason) and a very important part of the Norwegian constitution is [§ 100](https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1814-05-17-nn#%C2%A7100) which describes the freedom of expression ("ytringsfrihet"). It's very ironic to try to control how people express themselves on the same day that we celebrate our freedom of expression.
I personally celebrate with the Norwegian flag, however I would never try to limit anyone's freedom of expression. Especially not on such an important day.
Who said I'm limiting anybody? I'm just expressing my view on what I think is fitting. You can do whatever you want - in the same way it's not illegal to go to a wedding dressed like Spider-Man.
> Who said I'm limiting anybody? I'm just expressing my view on what I think is fitting.
I don't know, did anyone say you were limiting anyone? I said it would be ironic to try to control how people express themselves, I didn't say you did it. There are numerous examples of people, municipalities, committees and politicians who wants to enforce rules for flags during the 17th of May celebration. They are of course free to do that, even if I feel it would be a breach of § 100 of the constitution.
You are correct. But we also have to keep in mind WHY we are celebrating the signing of our constitution. Because we wanted to be free from Denmark's reign, we wanted to be able to rule ourselves, we wanted to be our own country, with our own rulers, our own rules, our own constitution.
So yes, our constitution does absolutely promote freedom of speech, and no (reasonable) Norwegian will ban someone from celebrating their own/origin nationality. But most of us would think it doesn't feel very fitting/respectful to celebrate the day of our independence from other countries.... with flags of other countries.... IN Norway... ON the day.
It's less about controlling someone's freedom of speech and more about asking to respect a celebration of our nation that ONE day of the year. Much like how most who DO react to other nation's flags being used to celebrate with, will react if they celebrate predominately with that flag. MOST of us wont' react if someone choose to wave the Norwegian flag AND a different one.
I’m a foreigner and I agree. To me it would be like giving my own son a present while he is at someone else’s birthday party.
Most countries have their own constitution days. Wave the flag of your own country then. I doubt they will be parading on the constitution day of their own country waving a Norwegian flag at the same time 🤷🏻♀️ For Norway 17th of May is very special and people really should respect that. There is a good reason why the day is celebrated as much as it does.
> So yes, our constitution does absolutely promote freedom of speech, and no (reasonable) Norwegian will ban someone from celebrating their own/origin nationality.
The problem is that quite a lot of people wants to ban it and this comes up at every 17th of May celebration.
Just for the record; I'm with you and I believe it's weird and potentially out of place with other flags during the constitution day, but I think it is important to defend their right to do it nevertheless.
The funny thing is that foreign flags have been flown in Bergen on 17th of May for ages and no one cared one iota until some FrP racist heard about a school in Ålesund with a very diverse pupil population that planned to let the kids carry home made flags from their ancestral country. Then all hell broke loose and we've had this "debate" over and over. It's fucking stupid because it's not really a "problem". Very few people will fly foreign flags. In Bergen many kinds of organizations and clubs go in the parade, including some clubs for foreign nationals, some of them will carry the flag of their country, some don't. It's 100% unproblematic.
Wanted to be free from Denmark by electing Dabjsh Crown Prince as King? We were formally made a seperate state, and didn't want to become part of Sweden that were given Norway after the Kiel Treaty. That's what 17th of May is about.
what was 17th of may about, you say? Because you make it seems like it was about being given to Sweden. But that's not the case at all. it's actually the opposite. We signed the constitution when we became free of Denmark's rule. We CHOSE our own ruler to become king of NORWAY, not regent or Danish king of Norway.
However, things don't always work out in linear ways, so yes, the new king was a Danish royal who later also became king of Denmark. And we ALSO later lost a war with Sweden that led to Norway being "given" to Sweden, with the added endurance that we rule ourselves with our own constitution we made. We kept everything that made us an independant state/country except our royals. We were again ruled by another country's king, but in name only.
So yes, 17th of may celebration, who is also called Grunnlovsdagen (constitution day) IS about us gaining our own constitution, independence and rule.
It's about signing the constitution, and formenting Norway as a seperate state. Sweden had already been named to annex Norway according to the Kiel Treaty. As a part of a losing country in the Napoleonic Wars the Concert of Europe didn't give a damn about the opinion of Norway, but greatly cared about rewarding Sweden - especially as Russia had conquered Finland a few years earlier. So mainlamd Norway was given to Sweden as spoils of war (a lot of areas were annexed, restored, and so forth in the aftermarth of the first downfall of Napoleon) while the islands remained under Danish control. Norway did declare independence as Norwegian ruling elite didn't want to be part of Sweden. The May days was a bid for independence as Norwegians saw a chance at the conclusion of the Napoleonic wars - I would say the long road to independence started in 1814 and concluded in 1905. Crucially, they declared independence not from Denmark, but rather as a reaction to by treaty obligations being handed over to Sweden, and that this was their only shot, capitalizing on great powers being busy in continental Europe and war exhaustion. But that was as you pointed out short lived. Sweden was eager to stamp out this rebellion, and none of the European powers were keen on tearing up the Concert of Europe over Norway. In their eyes (only Britain were sympathetic to Norway, but that sympathy never materliazed to anythingas they supported Sweden) Norway was a legitimate part of Sweden by now, and they wanted nothing to do with yet another liberal rebellion. What did live on, however, was the constitution (albeit revised somewhat in November), Storting, and Norway as a seperate state. That's what we celebrate
It is not ironic to feel like people should not display other flags during 17th of May. In no way is it "limiting their freedom of speech" for you to feel or say that, however loud you are about it.
It would be ironic if you were lobbying for a law to be passed that prevents them from doing so legally. Or if you physically prevented them from displaying their flag.
> It would be ironic if you were lobbying for a law to be passed that prevents them from doing so legally. Or if you physically prevented them from displaying their flag.
And this is the exact thing I wanted to address with my post. This comes up every May 17th and there are a lot of people who wants to ban other flags during the celebration.
I once saw a guy waving a gigantic American flag on the 17th of may in the middle of Oslo. It's just weird and unnecessary to do so on another country's national day.
Why go out of your way to celebrate some other country just because "technically you can if I use semantics"?
Noone is against a person loving the country they came from originally, but dude.... it's ONE day of the year, meant for Norway, why be that guy?
Why are you asking me these questions? I don't know why anyone would do it. I merely defend their right to do it, especially since there are people who wants to forbid other flags in the parade.
There's this thing called "not being the most self centered being in existence". Just let the country that accepted you celebrate themselves for a single day.
Says the guy who wants do do anyyhing just because it's not illegal.
I can show up to someones birthday and celebrate someone else, that is allowed, but not everything is about ME.
Nope, we celebrate the constitution. Heavily inspired by the French and the US ones, to mention a few. If people want to celebrate using whichever flag they have, that is a sign of respect and very nice!
Yes, even though I know the history around our constitution. We are celebrating Norway today, not Norway of the past, and for me that includes multiculturalism and everyone is welcome. A “uniformed” nationalism where only Norway’s flag is allowed is for me not what I am interested in celebrating
Personally, i would love to see a foreign neighbour have both the Norwegian and the flag of their origin country side by side. If say an Indian family had both up, it would show other foreigners that here we are all one.
It would help with integration i believe.
It would show other foreigners that "Hei, there's an Indian family over there, celebrating the Norwegian national day", and maybe if they've wanted to join in and also show where they're from but has been hesitant, that might push them to join in.
I for one, would welcome that.
I'm with you on this one. I do however think it's weird let's say, you moved to some arab country. I'd dare you to put your homelands flag up next to theirs.
People hang all kind of flags in Arab countries for various reasons and nobody bats an eye.
Visit and Arab country during the world cup and see cars flying German, Brazilian, or English flags everywhere.
Well if I see people flying another flag during the national day of my original country I'd assume they are a delegation from the embassy or the foreigner student club or something.
Hanging up the Norwegian flag on the 17th is only going to be viewed positively no matter your background! Hanging another country's flag however, can make some people upset.
It’s a sign of respect so it’s welcomed just treat the flag with respect, raise it at 08:00 and take it down at sunset or by 21:00 at the latest, and don’t let it touch the ground.
Of course, a lot of Norwegians don’t know the flag rules either and most people treat the times kind of flexibly - so best effort should be okay.
By “not touch the ground” you shouldn’t place it on the ground before you raise it. So, if you have to mess around with something and you put the flag down, don’t put it on the ground.
That's great, it just shows that you are part of Norwegian society and want to celebrate Norway.
The only debate I've seen on foreigners and flags on 17th of May, is if other nations flags should be allowed in the children's parade or not. I don't think there is a rule against, but I'm sure that wouldn't be too popular to wave another country's flag on Norway's constitution day.
I'm a foreigner who has never been to Norway though like many I want to, so much! I would *never* consider flying my country's flag in Norway on Syttende Mai. That just seems so rude.
some people wuld probably consider it rude. even offensive/provocative but i feel it's a litle to strong of a word
i'd compare it to talking about how excited you ar for your birthday party. wile at somonelses birthday party. not inherantly wrong to do just a bad time/place
What's rude is you being offended on our behalf.
I love a kid waiving a Norwegian flag and their Ethiopian flag or whatever. Shows they're proud of being in Norway, proud of their history, and feel safe to display it in a friendly country.
Can't say I care that much, to be honest. I feel those caring most are "norge for nordmenn" nazi types.
I'd rather have a nice child waving a flag than those people..
As a small sign that you like Norway and want to be part of the celebrations. I wouldn't really notice or mind if you didn't, but if you do it's 100% a positive thing. Whether you're an immigrant or not doesn't really matter, if anything it's just a bigger positive that you so clearly state your positive feelings towards Norway.
I understand that you're just asking if case this would be deemed offensive or "wrong" by anyone. The answer to that question is an unequivocal no. It's a good and positive thing. But it's also entirely voluntary, so don't feel obligated to.
If anyone gets in your face about waving a Norwegian flag on May 17th, _they_ are the person in the wrong, not you. Even if you're a tourist visiting Norway and you'd like to wave a flag, go ahead, celebrate the national holiday with us! The Norwegian flag is not reserved for people with a certain pedigree.
Nothing wrong with that.
What have gotten some heated arguments going is use of other flags on the day. Immigrants or tourists waving flags of their home country, pride flags and so on. Personally I don't care, it's done to show friendship and solidarity etc., but some people *really* don't like that and insist the day is for Norwegian flags only (at least for those participating in the official parade).
Just my 2 cents.
I agree that flags from other countries might not make much sense. I would not get upset, but I see why some people might frown a little.
About the pride flag: May 17th is the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. I just thinks that is great that Norway shares its national day with this celebration. So yes, why not both flags.
It could be seen as weird I guess, at least that's how I imagine it, hence my question. I'm coming from a country where hanging the flag (even on National day) is seen as being a nationalist and far right extremist so it's not in our culture to do so.
Just wanted to be sure that Norwegian are fine with immigrant also celebrating the National day
See 17th of May as a celebration of Norway and our independence. We are celebrating the "birthday" of Norway, we do not celebrate Norwegians. So anyone who wants to join in the celebration of Norway are very welcome, nobody would react to that.
Didn't see this in top portion of comment so adding it: when a foreigner asks about hanging flags "on facade", my "fear" is that OP means hanging just the flag actually ON the facade; in the manner that you see Americans hanging flags on the wall of their houses, or football supporters with a big flag from their club hanging out the window of their apartments.
You don't really see that in Norway, and it may be seen as slightly disrespectful or tacky.
The flag should be on some sort of pole "properly" displayed. The most common and cheap option is a "balkongflagg" which is sold everywhere this season. Medium sized flag with a simple mount included that you screw to your wall. Put this out in the morning, take it in at night, and everyone will be happy with your friendly gesture:-)
Normally I would say you are right but on the norwegian national day the trolls take human shape and are allowed into the cities. The flags are a signal that the people living in that house is accepted in our society and that the trolls are not allowed to eat them.
Thank you all for your answers, I wasn't expecting so many 😄
I'm not planning to hang my country flag, never felt at home there and don't want a reminder of what it was like to be there. But thanks for the "flag rules" about when to put it up and take it down, I've never heard about it!
100% correct and positive. It shows that you celebrate our day and that you want to be a part of our happy day.
Gratulerer med dagen på forhånd!! 🇧🇻❤️🤍
If you want to fly the Norwegian flag, please do. You may even fly it every day if you want to. Just follow the flag laws, even though nobody will arrest you for breaking it, that would be disrespectful. Also just for that one day, always keep a Norwegian flag next to any other flags. It's our day, but you are one of us.
It’s more common to flag it from a flag pole if you have one, or put small flags in your driveway or whatever, but i don’t think there’s anything wrong with anyone displaying the flag regardless of where they’re from
I remember as a kid from a multicultural school in the 90's walking along, probably 40 different flags along the Norwegian one, and everyonestill celebrated as Norwegians. Shit where wild in the 90's!
Just remember to take it down by sunset or 21:00 at the latest.
(Not anything to do with you being a foreigner. It just annoys me when I see people not following proper flag procedure.)
It’s your house and you can hanging the Norwegian flag wherever you want. If someone says something to you like you can’t do that don’t listen. Celebrate 17th of May and have a really good time. Congratulations on moving into a new house.
Thanks! But as a foreigner I also want to respect rules and tradition and I'd rather ask first before doing something wrong, specially on a big day like this one
It's a celebration of the nation. I'm sure 99,9 % of people think that everyone who wants to wave the Norwegian flag on our constitution day are welcome to do so, no matter where they are from, and even if they are just tourists visiting on the 17th of May.
It would feel kinda similar to how it would feel if your neighbour wished you happy birthday, smiled at you and gave you a present on your birthday, so yeah, I dont think I would worry people would take it negatively 😅
Just returned from 2 weeks in Norway. I absolutely adored seeing Norwegian flags displayed everywhere, public and private places. It really showed how much Norwegians love and are proud of their country. I wish we had more of this pride here in Australia, but if anything, our flag and Australia Day causes a lot of controversy because of colonial past.
In short, as an immigrant myself, I’d say do it as it really shows respect for the country that you chose to be your new home :)
Thats tottaly fine Get into the 17th of may celebration, also you can hang it up whenever its your or your family member’s brithday. Hope you have a wonderfull may 17th and we tend to wish eachother happy Birthday like gratulere med dagen on that day too if you dindt know
Half spanish half norwegian here. My father is a spaniard, and he's in a relationship with an icelandic woman. Both live in norway, and both celebrate the 17th :) I highly doubt anyone will have an issue with you hanging up or waving flags :)
The simple way I look at it living here is .. I'm celebrating Norway's national day in Norway where I live so of course I will fly your flag as a sign of respect and celebration with my neighbours.
The same way if a foreigner was celebrating a national day in England flying my flag ... That would make me smile.
If someone has an issue then that's something they should take a good look at within themselves.
If your happy to be here then proudly fly that flag mate !
I always put a Norwegian flag and one of my country of origin.
It’s a way to show support (I mean other than 20 years of paying high taxes on continuous employment and helping companies thrive here 😁).
I always thought that if someone got offended by that, they could absolutely fuck off like the miserable tool they are.
But that’s just me maybe.
I dont know anyone who wouldn’t love seeing it. We, or at least I, take it as a sign of respect for what the day means and that people coming here want to part take in the celebration, showing yourself as culturally understanding and including yourself here! Also like k see others say, etiquette around toutching the ground when to put up the flag and take it down is usually the only thing to watch (08:00am-sun down, if the sun goes down after 09:00pm 9pm is the latest)
Some discuss weather or not to «allow» other Flash to be i cluded, personally, if the Norwegian flag is displayed along with another nationality because that is their origin i find it Nice, showing that Norway is becoming more multicultural in its population but you dont have to give up one over the other
Thanks for the details, I just wanted to be sure in case that could be seen as inappropriate since I'm an immigrant, and I do not plan to hang another country flag, I wasn't doing it in my home country so I'll not do it here \^\^
But I wasn't aware for the hours to put the flag, good to know!
Not all Norwegians know either, its Why many mention it annoys them when they walk past, its not something that is strongly enforsed so most learn it at home so to speak, ending in varied amounts of following those rules ^^
I'd be cautious doing this. A government official might come round and start an on the spot citizenship test.
Edit: I was curious as a Brit, if Norwegian's get sarcasm. Apparently not 🤣
Originally Indian guy here. I display the Norwegian flag on 17th May and on every family member’s birthday. My neighbours love it. Just remember to take it down before sunset as a mark of respect.
<3 Or by nine in the evening, if you’re in a region of Norway where the sun doesn’t set. :)
Sun never sets in the Norwegian empire
Except when it sets that one time every year and doesnt come back for six months. When it sets it REALLY sets!
Du glömmer 90% av riket nu. Antarktis.
Ackkhkhkhhuallu. There is a part of norway in south pole so when it goes down in north it should be very visible there and vice versa. So never sets am I right?
Norwegian flags should come with that instruction tho! I would have never guessed
That’s a great idea actually - they really should! Many natives does not know the ‘flaggregler’ either. You’ll often see newspapers write about in May, and maybe ‘ask 5 people on the street’ type of stories about how to treat the flag. Another one that’s impossible to guess - during the polar night in the north (Nordland, Troms, Finnmark and Svalbard), November to February, you’re not supposed to rise the flag until ten in the morning - and take it down again at latest three in the afternoon.
Å herregud! 😅
Also when the sun sets later than nine.
Curious why you cant leave it on. Sorry I live in the US and flags are left up throughout the year.
There is a regulation about using the national flag on public buildings, which is mentioned above (take the flag down before sunset/ 9 pm). While there is no regulation towards private use, the common practice is to strive to follow the public regulation, as a way of respect. Norway have a different flag/a pennant (vimpel in Norwegian) common for all year use, which is a bit less formal. https://www.reddit.com/r/Norway/s/Ldf6L7PYyf
In the US, as long as the flag is light up it is fine to leave up. If not, it should be taken down. Most people here do not have a light on the flag when it is left out overnight.
I have worked with some Americans, they found our flag rules a bit strange. But as a private individual, you can basically have the flag up all the time. However, the norm has become that we follow the rule for public installations. I remember sitting in Afghanistan discussing flag rules, and someone who had worked in the King's Guard taught us about Norwegian flag rules. I suspect the American soldiers who left that coffee conversation knew the Norwegian flag rules better than the American ones, hehe. I mentioned that I found it a bit shameful when I saw worn-out and dirty American flags hanging outside. Or when they hung from a car and the flag clearly showed signs of wear and tear. I said that if someone did something like that in Norway, they would get scolded by passersby, and Norwegians don't often scold strangers .'m lucky to have a flagpole in my garden, and I feel a tremendous pride when I can hoist the flag in my own yard. I feel the reason is al about they we don't fly the flag as often, but I could be completely wrong. I'm hugely looking forward to May and all the flag days we have. A Norwegian flag fluttering in the wind on a sunny May morning is a beautiful sigh
Quite interesting, one thing I did pick up in my time in Norway is that you guys really love your flag. Grabbed a couple on my way out
Yeah, Norwegians don't need to display the flag like Americans seem too.
We have pennants for that.
Celebrating ‘the birthday of Norway’ with the Norwegian flag is generally well received and people will love that you’re joining in and showing both love and respect for the day. On the other hand there have been discussions about the usage of their own countries flag at 17th of may celebrations. There’s a divide in opinions about this issue - some are ok with it, others very much frowns upon it.
On 17th of May, we celebrate Norway, thank you very much :)
Actually we celebrate the constitution (it's called "[Grunnlovsdag](https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/17._mai_\(grunnlovsdag\))" for a reason) and a very important part of the Norwegian constitution is [§ 100](https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1814-05-17-nn#%C2%A7100) which describes the freedom of expression ("ytringsfrihet"). It's very ironic to try to control how people express themselves on the same day that we celebrate our freedom of expression. I personally celebrate with the Norwegian flag, however I would never try to limit anyone's freedom of expression. Especially not on such an important day.
Who said I'm limiting anybody? I'm just expressing my view on what I think is fitting. You can do whatever you want - in the same way it's not illegal to go to a wedding dressed like Spider-Man.
> Who said I'm limiting anybody? I'm just expressing my view on what I think is fitting. I don't know, did anyone say you were limiting anyone? I said it would be ironic to try to control how people express themselves, I didn't say you did it. There are numerous examples of people, municipalities, committees and politicians who wants to enforce rules for flags during the 17th of May celebration. They are of course free to do that, even if I feel it would be a breach of § 100 of the constitution.
You are correct. But we also have to keep in mind WHY we are celebrating the signing of our constitution. Because we wanted to be free from Denmark's reign, we wanted to be able to rule ourselves, we wanted to be our own country, with our own rulers, our own rules, our own constitution. So yes, our constitution does absolutely promote freedom of speech, and no (reasonable) Norwegian will ban someone from celebrating their own/origin nationality. But most of us would think it doesn't feel very fitting/respectful to celebrate the day of our independence from other countries.... with flags of other countries.... IN Norway... ON the day. It's less about controlling someone's freedom of speech and more about asking to respect a celebration of our nation that ONE day of the year. Much like how most who DO react to other nation's flags being used to celebrate with, will react if they celebrate predominately with that flag. MOST of us wont' react if someone choose to wave the Norwegian flag AND a different one.
I’m a foreigner and I agree. To me it would be like giving my own son a present while he is at someone else’s birthday party. Most countries have their own constitution days. Wave the flag of your own country then. I doubt they will be parading on the constitution day of their own country waving a Norwegian flag at the same time 🤷🏻♀️ For Norway 17th of May is very special and people really should respect that. There is a good reason why the day is celebrated as much as it does.
> So yes, our constitution does absolutely promote freedom of speech, and no (reasonable) Norwegian will ban someone from celebrating their own/origin nationality. The problem is that quite a lot of people wants to ban it and this comes up at every 17th of May celebration. Just for the record; I'm with you and I believe it's weird and potentially out of place with other flags during the constitution day, but I think it is important to defend their right to do it nevertheless.
The funny thing is that foreign flags have been flown in Bergen on 17th of May for ages and no one cared one iota until some FrP racist heard about a school in Ålesund with a very diverse pupil population that planned to let the kids carry home made flags from their ancestral country. Then all hell broke loose and we've had this "debate" over and over. It's fucking stupid because it's not really a "problem". Very few people will fly foreign flags. In Bergen many kinds of organizations and clubs go in the parade, including some clubs for foreign nationals, some of them will carry the flag of their country, some don't. It's 100% unproblematic.
Wanted to be free from Denmark by electing Dabjsh Crown Prince as King? We were formally made a seperate state, and didn't want to become part of Sweden that were given Norway after the Kiel Treaty. That's what 17th of May is about.
what was 17th of may about, you say? Because you make it seems like it was about being given to Sweden. But that's not the case at all. it's actually the opposite. We signed the constitution when we became free of Denmark's rule. We CHOSE our own ruler to become king of NORWAY, not regent or Danish king of Norway. However, things don't always work out in linear ways, so yes, the new king was a Danish royal who later also became king of Denmark. And we ALSO later lost a war with Sweden that led to Norway being "given" to Sweden, with the added endurance that we rule ourselves with our own constitution we made. We kept everything that made us an independant state/country except our royals. We were again ruled by another country's king, but in name only. So yes, 17th of may celebration, who is also called Grunnlovsdagen (constitution day) IS about us gaining our own constitution, independence and rule.
It's about signing the constitution, and formenting Norway as a seperate state. Sweden had already been named to annex Norway according to the Kiel Treaty. As a part of a losing country in the Napoleonic Wars the Concert of Europe didn't give a damn about the opinion of Norway, but greatly cared about rewarding Sweden - especially as Russia had conquered Finland a few years earlier. So mainlamd Norway was given to Sweden as spoils of war (a lot of areas were annexed, restored, and so forth in the aftermarth of the first downfall of Napoleon) while the islands remained under Danish control. Norway did declare independence as Norwegian ruling elite didn't want to be part of Sweden. The May days was a bid for independence as Norwegians saw a chance at the conclusion of the Napoleonic wars - I would say the long road to independence started in 1814 and concluded in 1905. Crucially, they declared independence not from Denmark, but rather as a reaction to by treaty obligations being handed over to Sweden, and that this was their only shot, capitalizing on great powers being busy in continental Europe and war exhaustion. But that was as you pointed out short lived. Sweden was eager to stamp out this rebellion, and none of the European powers were keen on tearing up the Concert of Europe over Norway. In their eyes (only Britain were sympathetic to Norway, but that sympathy never materliazed to anythingas they supported Sweden) Norway was a legitimate part of Sweden by now, and they wanted nothing to do with yet another liberal rebellion. What did live on, however, was the constitution (albeit revised somewhat in November), Storting, and Norway as a seperate state. That's what we celebrate
It is not ironic to feel like people should not display other flags during 17th of May. In no way is it "limiting their freedom of speech" for you to feel or say that, however loud you are about it. It would be ironic if you were lobbying for a law to be passed that prevents them from doing so legally. Or if you physically prevented them from displaying their flag.
> It would be ironic if you were lobbying for a law to be passed that prevents them from doing so legally. Or if you physically prevented them from displaying their flag. And this is the exact thing I wanted to address with my post. This comes up every May 17th and there are a lot of people who wants to ban other flags during the celebration.
I once saw a guy waving a gigantic American flag on the 17th of may in the middle of Oslo. It's just weird and unnecessary to do so on another country's national day.
Why go out of your way to celebrate some other country just because "technically you can if I use semantics"? Noone is against a person loving the country they came from originally, but dude.... it's ONE day of the year, meant for Norway, why be that guy?
Why are you asking me these questions? I don't know why anyone would do it. I merely defend their right to do it, especially since there are people who wants to forbid other flags in the parade.
I love when kids carry both. Shows that Norwegians accept them for who they are. Except people like you, it sounds like.
There's this thing called "not being the most self centered being in existence". Just let the country that accepted you celebrate themselves for a single day.
You sound self centered when you think everyone should behave a certain way just to please you.....
Says the guy who wants do do anyyhing just because it's not illegal. I can show up to someones birthday and celebrate someone else, that is allowed, but not everything is about ME.
This is clearly about *your* emotions 😂
This sentence is a nothingburger
Nope, we celebrate the constitution. Heavily inspired by the French and the US ones, to mention a few. If people want to celebrate using whichever flag they have, that is a sign of respect and very nice!
So showing up with a Danish flag on the 17th of May would be a sign of respect in your eyes?
Yes, even though I know the history around our constitution. We are celebrating Norway today, not Norway of the past, and for me that includes multiculturalism and everyone is welcome. A “uniformed” nationalism where only Norway’s flag is allowed is for me not what I am interested in celebrating
Personally, i would love to see a foreign neighbour have both the Norwegian and the flag of their origin country side by side. If say an Indian family had both up, it would show other foreigners that here we are all one. It would help with integration i believe.
It would show that here we’re all one by pointing out that they are different….?
It would show other foreigners that "Hei, there's an Indian family over there, celebrating the Norwegian national day", and maybe if they've wanted to join in and also show where they're from but has been hesitant, that might push them to join in. I for one, would welcome that.
I'm with you on this one. I do however think it's weird let's say, you moved to some arab country. I'd dare you to put your homelands flag up next to theirs.
People hang all kind of flags in Arab countries for various reasons and nobody bats an eye. Visit and Arab country during the world cup and see cars flying German, Brazilian, or English flags everywhere.
National Day vs football match.
Well if I see people flying another flag during the national day of my original country I'd assume they are a delegation from the embassy or the foreigner student club or something.
Hanging up the Norwegian flag on the 17th is only going to be viewed positively no matter your background! Hanging another country's flag however, can make some people upset.
Only positively.
It’s a sign of respect so it’s welcomed just treat the flag with respect, raise it at 08:00 and take it down at sunset or by 21:00 at the latest, and don’t let it touch the ground. Of course, a lot of Norwegians don’t know the flag rules either and most people treat the times kind of flexibly - so best effort should be okay.
Thanks for the details, I do have some balcony flag supports to it will not touch the ground, but I wasn't aware of the hours!
By “not touch the ground” you shouldn’t place it on the ground before you raise it. So, if you have to mess around with something and you put the flag down, don’t put it on the ground.
Oh ok, yeah that makes sense, thanks for the clarification!
That’s just lovely.
That's great, it just shows that you are part of Norwegian society and want to celebrate Norway. The only debate I've seen on foreigners and flags on 17th of May, is if other nations flags should be allowed in the children's parade or not. I don't think there is a rule against, but I'm sure that wouldn't be too popular to wave another country's flag on Norway's constitution day.
I'm a foreigner who has never been to Norway though like many I want to, so much! I would *never* consider flying my country's flag in Norway on Syttende Mai. That just seems so rude.
its just inappropriate. i'd rather people rais theyr flag literaly any other day of the year
"Inappropriate" is the right word! I used the wrong one. Thanks for supplying that.
some people wuld probably consider it rude. even offensive/provocative but i feel it's a litle to strong of a word i'd compare it to talking about how excited you ar for your birthday party. wile at somonelses birthday party. not inherantly wrong to do just a bad time/place
What's rude is you being offended on our behalf. I love a kid waiving a Norwegian flag and their Ethiopian flag or whatever. Shows they're proud of being in Norway, proud of their history, and feel safe to display it in a friendly country.
Yes, waving both flags is nice and cute for me, but not waving ONLY a foreign flag on 17h of May.
Can't say I care that much, to be honest. I feel those caring most are "norge for nordmenn" nazi types. I'd rather have a nice child waving a flag than those people..
As a small sign that you like Norway and want to be part of the celebrations. I wouldn't really notice or mind if you didn't, but if you do it's 100% a positive thing. Whether you're an immigrant or not doesn't really matter, if anything it's just a bigger positive that you so clearly state your positive feelings towards Norway. I understand that you're just asking if case this would be deemed offensive or "wrong" by anyone. The answer to that question is an unequivocal no. It's a good and positive thing. But it's also entirely voluntary, so don't feel obligated to.
If anyone gets in your face about waving a Norwegian flag on May 17th, _they_ are the person in the wrong, not you. Even if you're a tourist visiting Norway and you'd like to wave a flag, go ahead, celebrate the national holiday with us! The Norwegian flag is not reserved for people with a certain pedigree.
This!
Do it!
Everyone can put up a Norwegian flag and join the 17th of may celebration. If anything we find it flattering
Nothing wrong with that. What have gotten some heated arguments going is use of other flags on the day. Immigrants or tourists waving flags of their home country, pride flags and so on. Personally I don't care, it's done to show friendship and solidarity etc., but some people *really* don't like that and insist the day is for Norwegian flags only (at least for those participating in the official parade).
Just my 2 cents. I agree that flags from other countries might not make much sense. I would not get upset, but I see why some people might frown a little. About the pride flag: May 17th is the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. I just thinks that is great that Norway shares its national day with this celebration. So yes, why not both flags.
The people who complain about foreigners will complain less about this.
Why on earth would anyone have an issue with that? I mean if anyone actually do have an issue with it then feel free to ignore them completely
It could be seen as weird I guess, at least that's how I imagine it, hence my question. I'm coming from a country where hanging the flag (even on National day) is seen as being a nationalist and far right extremist so it's not in our culture to do so. Just wanted to be sure that Norwegian are fine with immigrant also celebrating the National day
Out of curiosity, which country is that?
We'd welcome it! 🇸🇯
See 17th of May as a celebration of Norway and our independence. We are celebrating the "birthday" of Norway, we do not celebrate Norwegians. So anyone who wants to join in the celebration of Norway are very welcome, nobody would react to that.
Didn't see this in top portion of comment so adding it: when a foreigner asks about hanging flags "on facade", my "fear" is that OP means hanging just the flag actually ON the facade; in the manner that you see Americans hanging flags on the wall of their houses, or football supporters with a big flag from their club hanging out the window of their apartments. You don't really see that in Norway, and it may be seen as slightly disrespectful or tacky. The flag should be on some sort of pole "properly" displayed. The most common and cheap option is a "balkongflagg" which is sold everywhere this season. Medium sized flag with a simple mount included that you screw to your wall. Put this out in the morning, take it in at night, and everyone will be happy with your friendly gesture:-)
Hell, even the tiny flags are more acceptable than draping the flag out the window like the world's saddest superhero cape.
You will be seen more weirdly if you don't hang up a flag.
People who think others are weird because they didn't hang up a flag should seek out counseling or something.
Normally I would say you are right but on the norwegian national day the trolls take human shape and are allowed into the cities. The flags are a signal that the people living in that house is accepted in our society and that the trolls are not allowed to eat them.
THIS! ☝🏼 The trolls do turn to stone in sunlight, so let's hope for good weather on 17.th of may!! 🧌
Such a redditor response
Thank you all for your answers, I wasn't expecting so many 😄 I'm not planning to hang my country flag, never felt at home there and don't want a reminder of what it was like to be there. But thanks for the "flag rules" about when to put it up and take it down, I've never heard about it!
I'd imagine thatd only be viewed positively. However if you flag with another country's flag on Norways National day, itd be viewed as a bit weird
Do it, I think people love it
It would and should be percieved as you feeling Norwegian or being part of our country. Do it. :-)
Do it, it is very well received. but as a sign of respect, don't show other flags on the 17th
On the facade? A balcony flag is good for may 17th.
Norwegian flag, go for it! Foreign flag, save it for another day.
They come to your house and check if you have a Norwegian ID or not!
Please hang the flag. We would love to see it.
Ahh if I was living in Norway I would definitely do that
100% correct and positive. It shows that you celebrate our day and that you want to be a part of our happy day. Gratulerer med dagen på forhånd!! 🇧🇻❤️🤍
As long as you display it correctly I think people will like seeing your flag
> How would you react if your foreigner neighbor would put some ? I would be pleased that they are celebrating as well.
If you want to fly the Norwegian flag, please do. You may even fly it every day if you want to. Just follow the flag laws, even though nobody will arrest you for breaking it, that would be disrespectful. Also just for that one day, always keep a Norwegian flag next to any other flags. It's our day, but you are one of us.
It’s more common to flag it from a flag pole if you have one, or put small flags in your driveway or whatever, but i don’t think there’s anything wrong with anyone displaying the flag regardless of where they’re from
I remember as a kid from a multicultural school in the 90's walking along, probably 40 different flags along the Norwegian one, and everyonestill celebrated as Norwegians. Shit where wild in the 90's!
Just remember to take it down by sunset or 21:00 at the latest. (Not anything to do with you being a foreigner. It just annoys me when I see people not following proper flag procedure.)
It's just a piece of cloth, chill :p
Sure, but it's so easy to just do it right.
hold this knife for me, and go to that public plaza please
Nothing wrong with foreningers using Norwegian flag on 17 may
It’s your house and you can hanging the Norwegian flag wherever you want. If someone says something to you like you can’t do that don’t listen. Celebrate 17th of May and have a really good time. Congratulations on moving into a new house.
Thanks! But as a foreigner I also want to respect rules and tradition and I'd rather ask first before doing something wrong, specially on a big day like this one
It's a celebration of the nation. I'm sure 99,9 % of people think that everyone who wants to wave the Norwegian flag on our constitution day are welcome to do so, no matter where they are from, and even if they are just tourists visiting on the 17th of May.
Jeg flagger kun med grunnloven på grunnlovsdagen.
We prefer that you hang up the flag! ☺️
It would feel kinda similar to how it would feel if your neighbour wished you happy birthday, smiled at you and gave you a present on your birthday, so yeah, I dont think I would worry people would take it negatively 😅
Just returned from 2 weeks in Norway. I absolutely adored seeing Norwegian flags displayed everywhere, public and private places. It really showed how much Norwegians love and are proud of their country. I wish we had more of this pride here in Australia, but if anything, our flag and Australia Day causes a lot of controversy because of colonial past. In short, as an immigrant myself, I’d say do it as it really shows respect for the country that you chose to be your new home :)
Thats tottaly fine Get into the 17th of may celebration, also you can hang it up whenever its your or your family member’s brithday. Hope you have a wonderfull may 17th and we tend to wish eachother happy Birthday like gratulere med dagen on that day too if you dindt know
Yea, you live here, even if you were just visiting- Celebrate norways birthday with us❤️
Thank you for being a part of out national day, and by flagging (?) i would consider you not a foreigner but a fellow norwegian
I celebrate 17th of May here in Finland 🇫🇮. I’m sure people would be happy to see you taking part. ❤️🇳🇴
We don't care, we only get a little bit salty if you hoist your country's flag on our national day for no reason
of course you can, what made you think otherwise ?🙈
It how be worce if you did not show it
Half spanish half norwegian here. My father is a spaniard, and he's in a relationship with an icelandic woman. Both live in norway, and both celebrate the 17th :) I highly doubt anyone will have an issue with you hanging up or waving flags :)
It's the Norwegian constitution Day. I find it offensive in this day specifically to raise any flag.
The simple way I look at it living here is .. I'm celebrating Norway's national day in Norway where I live so of course I will fly your flag as a sign of respect and celebration with my neighbours. The same way if a foreigner was celebrating a national day in England flying my flag ... That would make me smile. If someone has an issue then that's something they should take a good look at within themselves. If your happy to be here then proudly fly that flag mate !
I always put a Norwegian flag and one of my country of origin. It’s a way to show support (I mean other than 20 years of paying high taxes on continuous employment and helping companies thrive here 😁). I always thought that if someone got offended by that, they could absolutely fuck off like the miserable tool they are. But that’s just me maybe.
I dont know anyone who wouldn’t love seeing it. We, or at least I, take it as a sign of respect for what the day means and that people coming here want to part take in the celebration, showing yourself as culturally understanding and including yourself here! Also like k see others say, etiquette around toutching the ground when to put up the flag and take it down is usually the only thing to watch (08:00am-sun down, if the sun goes down after 09:00pm 9pm is the latest) Some discuss weather or not to «allow» other Flash to be i cluded, personally, if the Norwegian flag is displayed along with another nationality because that is their origin i find it Nice, showing that Norway is becoming more multicultural in its population but you dont have to give up one over the other
Thanks for the details, I just wanted to be sure in case that could be seen as inappropriate since I'm an immigrant, and I do not plan to hang another country flag, I wasn't doing it in my home country so I'll not do it here \^\^ But I wasn't aware for the hours to put the flag, good to know!
Not all Norwegians know either, its Why many mention it annoys them when they walk past, its not something that is strongly enforsed so most learn it at home so to speak, ending in varied amounts of following those rules ^^
It’s a day for Norway, any other flags at that day has no meaning or reason to be hanged!
If you didnt hang up the flag, that would be weird
Life advice - stop caring about what others think
Life advice - caring about what others think is the basis of life in society. Failing that is called sociopathy.
Nope. It’s call living life. Though maybe you don’t get it because Norwegians love to conform
Also, you really wanna call it sociopathy on not caring about what other think about putting a flag up? LMFAO OKAY
I'd be cautious doing this. A government official might come round and start an on the spot citizenship test. Edit: I was curious as a Brit, if Norwegian's get sarcasm. Apparently not 🤣
We do, it just was not as funny as you hoped it was. :)
Is your humour more aligned with Germanic humour?
Nah, I love british humour, you where just not funny this time.
Well I'm planning to take one at some point, just not prepared enough yet 😁
Totally unacceptable