Barneblad: Let’s dress up for Syttende mai

Syttende mai

Photo: Barbie Hull Photography

A monthly feature to share with kids and grandkids

Brought to you by LORI ANN REINHALL

Soon it will be Syttende mai, one of the most special days of the year for all Norwegian Americans, especially kids!

Not only is it the day when you get to eat all the ice cream you want, there are cakes cookies, games, and songs—no wonder we look forward to this day each year!

And while there won’t be any parardes or big parties this year, you can expect to have just as much fun at home with your family. But that requires a little wardrobe planning, so let’s plan on getting dressed properly up for Syttende mai!

It is tradition to put on a bunad or Norwegian folk costume (if you have one, you must wear it), but there are great options for essentially everyone:

Put on your Sunday best (suits and ties for boys and fancy dresses for girls). You will look very Norwegian!

Dress like a Viking to conquer the world. Get out that helmet and shield!

Wear anything red, white, and blue, and you can’t go wrong! Don’t forget that ribbons are the ultimate accessory—you will look smashing!

Hipp hipp hurra

for Syttende mai!

Please send us your photos from Syttende mai celebrations, past and present! We will be posting memories on social media all day long on May 17, and our June 12 issue will feature snapshots from this year’s festivities. Email your photos to us at  naw@na-weekly.com. Tusen takk—have a fantastic, fun, safe, and memorable 17th of May!

This article originally appeared in the May 8, 2020, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.

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Lori Ann Reinhall

Lori Ann Reinhall, editor-in-chief of The Norwegian American, is a multilingual journalist and cultural ambassador based in Seattle. She is the president of the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association, and she serves on the boards of several Nordic organizations.

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