Learn all about New Year's Day
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class - Holidays in Norway Series at NorwegianClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Norwegian holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 1. New Year's Day. In Norwegian, it’s called Nyttårsaften. |
| Like many other western countries, Norway celebrates the new year on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Norwegian people typically gather with friends and eat good food, drink sparkling wine or champagne, and have a party, which is fest in Norwegian, all night long. In this lesson you’ll learn how Norwegians celebrate New Year’s. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question - |
| Do you know what type of accident is most common on New Year’s Eve? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| In Norway, people celebrate New Year’s among friends. The party normally takes place in someone’s home, and everyone participates in the cooking, which in Norwegian is matlaging. Each person normally brings at least one dish: either a side dish, main course, or a dessert. The most common thing to eat for dinner on New Year’s Eve is reindeer, or reinsdyr, but turkey and moose steak are also popular choices. There are lots of toasts, which in Norwegian is skål, throughout the night, and sometimes a “thank you” speech is given summarizing the events of the year. |
| Another important speech held on New Year’s Eve is the King’s Speech. At 7:30 pm, most Norwegians turn on their TVs or radios to listen to the King’s speech about the year that was. The King speaks live from the The Royal Palace, broadcasting out to all the Norwegian people. Though some may mistakenly assume this speech to be pompous, this couldn't be further from the truth. The King’s speeches are typically rather down to earth, which is why they are so special and appreciated by the Norwegian people. |
| As midnight approaches, people usually go to the nearest park or hilltop to watch the fyrverkeri, or fireworks, that are set off when the clock strikes 12:00. A lot of people bring their own fireworks, as it is legally permitted for anyone to set them off. At 12:00 they are all launched, and the dark night is filled with light. Everyone hugs each other and wishes each other a happy new year, and if you are lucky, you may even get a kiss, or kyss. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Do you know what type of accident is most common on New Year’s Eve? |
| The most prevalent accidents on New Year’s Eve are fireworks accidents. Every year, ERs across the country receive patients who have been hit by fireworks in the head or in the eyes. Be sure to watch out for stray fireworks if you're in Norway on New Year’s Eve! |
| What did you think of this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| What are you going to do on New Year’s Eve? |
| Leave us your comments on NorwegianClass101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson. |
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