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I
always wanted to be in Oslo, to see Norway's largest Sytten de
Mai parade. That is their Independance day (from the Swedes)
and there are parades in every city, but Oslo is the largest.
When
I was a kid, my mother had a Bunad (old traditional costume from
the cities of Norway) which fit me and I wore in the Brooklyn,
New York, Norwegian Day Parade. It was hot (made of wool), long
(down to my feet) and the day was hot (high 80's). There was
also a wool hat to go along with this Bunad. I think I was crying
for my mother to take it off me (I was real little).
Anyway,
these Bunad's are very prestigious, proud and expensive. Men
and children have Bunads as well, but it is the women who "take
the center stage" with their colorful, long beautiful Bunads
and special jewelery that is also worn with them. Each city has
a different style Bunad so it was fancinating to see the different
styles and colors.
I
met with my cousin Wenche Morland, to watch the parade and we
were early, so we got a great spot on Karl Johans Gate, real
close to the King and Queen's Palace: Slott (Castle). There the
King and Queen of Norway (Kung Harald and Drottning Sonia) waved
to me (and I waved back). It was a great event. I never saw so
many Bunads in my life. This was the longest parade I ever saw
(longer than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, longer than
the Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Christmas, New Years Day Parade,
etc. - you get the message).
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