If someone says Happy Syttende Mai to you, assume they have some Viking blood. Syttende Mai means 17 May and refers to the day in 1814 when the Norwegian Constitution was signed in the town of Eidsvoll. The Constitution set up independence for Norwegians from Sweden. Unfortunately the Swedes want to grant them independence and a war to broke out between the two countries. It seems the Swedes were sore because they had been promised the territory of Norway as a reward for aiding the victors of the Napoleonic wars. The power of the Norwegians was too much for the Swedish army however, so instead of gaining Norway as a territory they agreed to enter a personal union with Sweden. Under this arrangement, Norway kept its liberal constitution and independent institutions (including its own military forces).
The formation of the Constitution may have taken military power, but the typical May 17 celebration makes little note of this. Instead the day is focused on children, with parades of school kids making their way through their hometown with flags and marching bands. The capital of Oslo has the largest parade, with 100,00 participants. Men, women, and children wear traditional outfits called bunad. The children shout “Hurra!”, singing, blowing whistles and shaking rattles.

It is said that about half the Norwegians who immigrated to America came in order to escape the hated lutefisk, and the other half came to spread the gospel of lutefisk’s wonderfulness.
- Norwegian-American saying

Traditional foods include the beloved Norwegian lutefisk, a dried cod that has been soaked in lye for several days. It is then boiled or baked and served with butter, salt, and pepper. The finished lutefisk usually is the consistency of Jello.