Barneblad: Queen (or king) for a day

Brought to you by Lori Ann Reinhall

Photo: Colourbox
Think like a royal with a crown on your head.

With an issue focusing on a royal visit, it seems only appropriate that his month’s Barneblad should focus on the topic of royalty. What is it, what does it mean, and how does it have meaning for us today?

What is royalty?

So many of us know about queens, kings, princesses, and princes from fairy tales. Our minds are filled with grand images of palaces, majestic thrones, beautiful clothes, fur-collared robes, and, of course, crowns adorned with bedazzling jewels. To marry into royalty and live happily ever after is a fairy-tale dream for many, but what does it mean to be royal?

At one time, many countries were ruled by royal families, queens and kings, who made the laws of the lands. They were looked up to as protectors, and their power was great. This power was symbolized by the crowns they wore on their heads. Most often, when a king or queen died, one of their children would take over for them.

Royal responsibility

But today, in most of the world, queens and kings no longer rule is this way. In modern countries like Norway, there is a constitution, a set of laws made by and for the people. The queen and king stand as symbols for the country. It is their duty to uphold the laws of the land that have been made by the people.

This means that the queen and king must work hard to help their people. Above all, they must always do what is best for their country. They support good causes, travel to other countries to make the best impression, and do their best to carry on beautiful traditions. They may still wear beautiful clothes and crowns, but it is their job to serve the people. This is their royal responsibility.

ROYAL ACTIVITY: Queen or king for a day

Imagine if you were queen or king for day. You would also have this same royal responsibility. While it would be fun to wear a crown on your head, you would have to think about doing what is right for others, too.

So, why not make a crown to wear for a day and think about what you could do to rule as a good queen or king? What could you do to bring some happiness to the lives of others around you? 

For this month’s Barneblad, why not have the fun of making and wearing your own crown while thinking of at least 10 things you could do for your family, friends, or others you love? You could make cookies, for example, you could visit you grandma or grandpa, or you could clean your room. The possibilities—and fun—will make for wonderful queen or king for a day!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR ROYAL CROWN

Photo: Shutterstock
It’s both fun and easy to make your own royal crown.

Making your own royal crown is easy and fun! For a basic crown, all you need is some colored construction paper, a pair of scissors, and some glue. 

First of all, ask mom or dad to measure the circumference of your head. Most likely you will need to glue two pieces of paper to go all around.

Then, draw the outline of your crown, leaving a straight edge on the paper and making zigzags or some other decorate shape at the top. (There are many templates available to download online if you search for “make a crown.”)

Of course, you may choose to decorate your crown to make it fancier. There are many possibilities:

1. Colored crown: Perhaps you are a drawing artist at heart. One of the easier ways to decorate your crown is to use crayons to color pretty designs on it.

2. Eclectic crown: Ever wonder what to do with scraps of old wrapping paper? Cut them up in fun shapes and decorate your crown. Alternatively, you can use other colored construction paper scraps for a similar effect.

3. Jeweled crown: Decorative jeweled pieces are available at craft stores. Foiled colored wrapping paper is also pretty. Glue everything on your crown for an elaborate, sparkling effect that is absolutely regal!

This article originally appeared in the November 4, 2022, issue of The Norwegian American.