Barnetog, an enduring 17. mai tradition

A day of music, marching, merriment, and memories Jim Nelson Chesterton, Ind. Children’s well-being and education have long been high priorities for Norwegians. To Norwegians, it seems only natural that children should have a prominent place in celebrations of their national holiday, Syttende Mai. Although each city, town, and rural community has its own distinctive Syttende Mai parade, the barnetog is usually the first part of the parade. Barnetoget, “the children’s parade,” has been a major part of Norway’s celebration of Syttende Mai for many years. Like the borgertog, the parade for adult citizens, the barnetog wasn’t originally allowed while Norway was
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Jim Nelson

Jim Nelson is a Norwegian-American scholar and musician, who lived and taught in Norway for over 18 years. Nelson is an expert in the Norwegian immigration to the United States, Norwegian folk music, and Scandinavian immigrant music. Now based in Chesterton, Ind., he continues to perform and is president of the Scandiana Sons of Norway lodge.

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