Culture of Norway

Norwegian culture should be understood in the context of Norwegian history as well as Norwegian geography. The unique Norwegian farm culture resulted not only from scarce resources and a harsh climate, but also from Norway's ancient property laws, which sustained a unique character still visible in Norway today. This unique character resulted in a strong romantic nationalistic movement in the 18th century which is visible to this day in the Norwegian language and media.

Norwegian culture is very egalitarian, and this has both positive and negative effects. See the Jante Law.

Celebrations

Norwegians celebrate their national day on May 17, dedicated to the Constitution of Norway. Many people wear bunad (traditional costumes) and most participate in or watch the Norwegian Constitution Day parade that day, consisting mostly of children, through the cities and towns. The national romanticist author Henrik Wergeland was the founder of the 17 May parade.

Common Christian holidays are also celebrated, the most important being Christmas (called Jul in Norway after the pagan and early Viking winter solstice) and Easter.

Jonsok (St. John's Passing), or St. Hans (St. John's Day), i.e. 24 June, is also a commonly revered holiday. It marks midsummer and the beginning of summer vacation, and is often celebrated by lighting bonfires the evening before.

Music

Main article: Music of Norway

Along with the classical music of romantic composer Edvard Grieg and the modern music of Arne Nordheim, Norwegian black metal has become something of an export article in recent years.

Literature

Main article: Norwegian Literature

Several Norwegian authors have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, namely Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson in 1903, Knut Hamsun in 1920 and Sigrid Undset in 1928 for Kristin Lavransdatter. Though he was not awarded a Nobel Prize for his plays, as the first of these were awarded after he published his last play in 1899, playwright Henrik Ibsen is probably the most famous figure in Norwegian literature. Ibsen wrote plays such as Peer Gynt, A Doll's House and The Lady from the Sea.

Also of importance to the Norwegian literary culture is the Norse literature, and in particular the works of Snorre Sturlason , as well as the more recent folk tales, collected by Asbjørnsen and Moe in the 19th century. Norwegians also enjoy Kate Havnevik, a modern singer.

Leisure

Physical culture is also important in one of the most prosperous nations in the world. In terms of the opportunities for enjoying leisure, few countries compare with Norway. With great forests and wide mountain plateaus for winter pleasure and extensive coastal areas and rivers for summer recreation, Norway provides a natural environment which encourages outdoor sports and to a large degree hiking. Many Norwegians own at least one pair of skis, and the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association stands strong.

Cooking

Main article: Cuisine of Norway

Norway's culinary traditions show the influence of long seafaring and farming traditions with salmon (fresh and cured), herring (pickled or marinated), trout, codfish and other seafood balanced by cheeses, dairy products and excellent breads (predominantly dark/darker). Lefse is a common Norwegian potato flatbread, common around Christmas. For renowned Norwegian dishes, see lutefisk, smalahove, pinnekjøtt, Krotekaker and fårikål.

National flower

Norway has two national flowers.

At an international congress for botanists held in Amsterdam in 1935, Saxifraga cotyledon was elected national flower of Norway. Later, in 1976, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation held a referendum on one of their programs which elected Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as heather, as national flower.

Both plants are accepted as national flowers.

See also

• Philharmonic Orchestras in Norway
  • Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
• Architecture of Norway
• Rosemaling
• Norwegian Year of Cultural Heritage 2009

External links

• Norway Cultural Profile - national cultural portal for Norway in English