3 questions about 17.maisloops

The birches are springing, the sun is warming, the evenings are getting brighter and longer. The sure signs of spring arrive every year and mark the beginning of Norway's birthday, May 17. The day is celebrated all over the country with children's parades, the royal family on the palace balcony and colorful national costumes as far as the eye can see. We look forward to this day of freedom and enjoy ourselves in freshly ironed shirts and newly purchased party dresses, young and old.

Question 1: Which side should the May 17th ribbon be on?

We can't count how many times we've been asked: Which side should the May 17th ribbon actually be on? The answer is quite simple; on the left side, closest to your heart, you should wear this beautiful national symbol with pride throughout the day.

Whether the bow tie is new or old, short or long, with or without extra decorations, doesn't matter. The most important thing is the symbolism of the bow tie.

Question 2: 17. corn bow on bunad?

At least as often, we get asked whether it is okay to use a 17th of May bow on the national costume? Opinions are divided here. Some believe that it is completely "illegal" to decorate the national costume with an additional bow. But more and more people believe that it is up to each individual to decide whether they want to decorate their national costume with a bow. We do not want to be a national costume police and believe, like the last ones, that each individual should decide this for themselves. Maybe an Elvesæter -type bow could be in, even for the national costume police? Here is the pattern taken from the wood carvings around the doors at the Elvesæter farm in Bøverdalen. We think it is really nationally romantic and great on a national costume. What do you think?

Why do Bergen residents have such long May Day celebrations?

Bergeners love to celebrate May 17th. They go in processions filled with all kinds of acrobatics from schools, associations, teams and choirs. Everyone is welcome to join in! Adults have just as much fun as children at a Bergen May 17th celebration. And have you noticed that some Bergeners have really long bow ties? This has roots back to 1850 and was supposed to indicate the wearer's wealth. The longer the bow, the more prosperous. Some had bow ties that reached all the way down to the ground!

Nowadays, it's more of a funny thing in Bergen to choose long bows instead of short ones. But they're still beautiful.

If you would like to take a look at Arven's 17th May trails, click here .

Have a wonderful May 17th and decorate yourself with your bow!