Norwegian culture should be understood in the context of Norwegian history as well as Norwegian geography. The unique Norwegian farm culture resulted not only from scarce resources and a harsh climate, but also from Norway's ancient property laws, which sustained a unique character still visible in Norway today. This unique character resulted in a strong romantic nationalistic movement in the 18th century which is visible to this day in the Norwegian language and .
Foreign Influences of Norway
The greatest sources on influence on Norwegian culture have been the Protestant church and Germany during the Middle Ages, France during the 18th century, Germany again during the 19th century and the English-speaking world after World War II. Norway is today very Americanized with a strongly adapted western culture.
Attitudes
Norwegians have an egalitarian outlook. The concept of Jante Law is in many areas and fields still today strong in Norway, and any form of elitism is likely to meet strong criticism. Norwegians generally express themselves in very modest terms, especially when it comes to compliments and praises - when they say something is “totally okay” that means it is very good indeed.
There is a strong drive for more individualist values, and these have during the 20th century taken over from the more collectivist tradition. Notably there is a very strong support for tolerance towards same-sex relationships compared to most European countries, and Norwegians is often thought of (and most Norwegians think of their country) as a country with little xenophobia, which does not necessarily make it true.
The combination of embracing capitalist values and the Norwegian agrarian modesty has produced an atmosphere that encourages hard work and honesty. Norway generally has low corruption.
Environmentalism and animal protection are important values in Norway.
Cuisine
show the influence of long seafaring and farming traditions with salmon (fresh and cured), herring (pickled or marinated), trout, codfish and other seafood balanced by cheeses, dairy products and excellent breads (predominantly dark/darker). Lefse is a common Norwegian potato flatbread, common around Christmas. For renowned Norwegian dishes, see lutefisk, smalahove, pinnekjøtt, Krotekaker and fårikål.
Film
Music
Along with the classical music of romantic composer Edvard Grieg and the modern music of Arne Nordheim, Norwegian black metal has become something of an export article in recent years.
Literature
Several Norwegian authors have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, namely Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson in 1903, Knut Hamsun in 1920 and Sigrid Undset in 1928 for "Kristin Lavransdatter". Though he was not awarded a Nobel Prize for his plays, as the first of these were awarded after he published his last play in 1899, playwright Henrik Ibsen is probably the most famous figure in Norwegian literature. Ibsen wrote plays such as "Peer Gynt", "A Doll's House" and "The Lady from the Sea".
Also of importance to the Norwegian literary culture is the Norse literature, and in particular the works of Snorre Sturlason , as well as the more recent folk tales, collected by Asbjørnsen and Moe in the 19th century.
Architecture
Arts
Celebrations
Norwegians celebrate their national day on May 17, dedicated to the Constitution of Norway. Many people wear "bunad" (traditional costumes) and most participate in or watch the Norwegian Constitution Day parade that day, consisting mostly of children, through the cities and towns. The national romanticist author Henrik Wergeland was the founder of the 17 May parade.
Common Christian holidays are also celebrated, the most important being Christmas (called "Jul" in Norway after the pagan and early Viking winter solstice) and Easter (Påske).
"Jonsok" (St. John's Passing), or "St. Hans" (St. John's Day), i.e. 24 June, is also a commonly revered holiday. It marks midsummer and the beginning of summer vacation, and is often celebrated by lighting bonfires the evening before.
Leisure
Physical culture is also important in one of the most prosperous nations in the world. In terms of the opportunities for enjoying leisure, few countries compare with Norway. With great forests and wide mountain plateaus for winter pleasure and extensive and rivers for summer recreation, Norway provides a natural environment which encourages and to a large degree hiking. Many Norwegians own at least one pair of skis, and the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association stands strong.
ee also
*Philharmonic Orchestras in Norway
**Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
**Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
*Architecture of Norway
*Rosemaling
*Norwegian Year of Cultural Heritage 2009
External links
* [http://www.norway.culturalprofiles.net Norway Cultural Profile] - national cultural portal for Norway in English