In Norway, Labor Day is an important holiday for workers and is often marked by demonstrations for more employees’ rights. In this article, you’ll learn much more about how Norway observes Labor Day, what major event happened on this day in 1980, and some useful vocabulary. Let’s get started. 1. What is Labor Day? Let’s begin with a little Labor Day history. In 1947, Labor Day became an official fridag ("holiday" ) in Norway, though it was really celebrated since 1890. One of the most significant events in the history of this holiday was the Haymarket Affair in 1886 in the United States, during which people protested for an eight-hour workday. Over time, more requests and ideals have been put forth, and today, Norwegians... Show more

The Carnival holiday is a major Christian celebration in many cultures around the world. In this article, you’ll learn some Carnival holiday facts and gain some knowledge into how Norwegians, in particular, celebrate this holiday. Are you ready? Let’s get started. 1. What is the Carnival Holiday? Celebrated by Chrisitan communities around the world, Carnival (sometimes called Shrovetide) is a religious holiday that precedes the Lenten fasting period. This holiday is known for an array of celebrations and traditions, all of which tend to center on the idea of fun, indulgence, and the reversing of social order. In the past, people relied on stored and preserved food throughout the winter months, meaning that there was... Show more

Each year for its national Mother’s Day, Norway is abuzz with advertisements for the perfect Mother’s Day gifts and services. While overly commercial these days, celebrating Mother’s Day in Norway has become a huge occasion, and children—young and grown—are sure to honor their mothers with gifts and other expressions of gratitude. In this article, you’ll learn how Mother’s Day is celebrated in Norway as well as how this holiday got started here. Are you ready? Let’s go! 1. What is Mother’s Day in Norway? Like Mother’s Day in the rest of the world, this holiday in Norway is a special day dedicated to honoring one’s mother and showing her appreciation. Because mothers do so much for their children and make so many personal... Show more

Around the time of the summer solstice, Norway begins its celebration of Midsummer. With the weather warm and the days long, there couldn’t be a better time to enjoy the Midsummer festival Norway puts on each year. On Midsummer, Norway’s traditions have lost much of their original meaning and significance, but Norwegians still find Midsummer Day a time of fun and merriment. In learning about Midsummer’s Eve traditions in Norway, you’re opening your eyes to some unique facets of the country’s culture. And as any successful language-learner can attest to, understanding a country’s culture is essential in mastering its language. At NorwegianClass101.com, we aim to make this learning journey both fun and informative! 1. What is... Show more

Norwegian Independence Day is the most important holiday in the country. It holds such significance to Norwegians, in fact, that celebrations aren’t limited to Norway (such as the celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day in Ballard, Seattle in the United States). Norwegian Constitution Day commemorates the date that Norway gained independence through the finally accepted Norway Constitution. In learning about this holiday, you’re gaining insight into Norway’s long history and rich culture. Cultural knowledge is vital to learning any language, and at NorwegianClass101.com, we hope to make this learning expedition both fun and informative! Learn how to say "Happy Constitution Day" in Norwegian and more with us! 1. What is... Show more

The Sami people are Norway’s “indigenous people,” or in Norwegian, urbefolkning. The Sami are not only found in Norway, but also in Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The Sami are thereby a minority of four different countries and at one point in history were strongly looked down upon. However, today in Norway, Sami people are rather celebrated throughout the country. This change makes Sami National Day one of the most important Norwegian holidays to learn about in order to delve into its history, culture, and values. That includes its newfound appreciation for its indigenous people. Our goal here at NorwegianClass101.com is to help you master not only the Norwegian language, but the country and its people as a whole. That said, let’s... Show more

Learn all the Norwegian New Year wishes online, in your own time, on any device! Join NorwegianClass101 for a special Norwegian New Year celebration! Can you relate to the year passing something like this: “January, February, March - December!”? Many people do! Quantum physics teaches us that time is relative, and few experiences illustrate this principle as perfectly as when we reach the end of a year. To most of us, it feels like the old one has passed in the blink of an eye, while the new year lies ahead like a very long journey! However, New Year is also a time to celebrate beginnings, and to say goodbye to what has passed. This is true in every culture, no matter when New Year is celebrated. So, how do you say Happy New... Show more

Do you know any ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Norwegian? NorwegianClass101 brings you easy-to-learn translations and the correct pronunciation of Norwegian Christmas phrases! Christmas is the annual commemorative festival of Christ’s birth in the Western Christian Church. It takes place on December 25th and is usually celebrated with much food and fanfare! However, not all cultures celebrate Christmas. In some countries, Christmas is not even a public holiday! However, many countries have adapted Christmas and its religious meaning to tally with their own beliefs, or simply in acknowledgment of the festival’s importance to other cultures. If you want to impress native Norwegian speakers with culturally-appropriate... Show more