Learn all about Confirmation
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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 6 Confirmation. In Norwegian, it’s called konfirmasjon. |
| The Confirmation in Norway is held to mark the transition of Norwegian children into adulthood. The Confirmation originated from the Christian faith, but these days children may choose whether they want a Christian confirmation called kristelig konfirmasjon, or a humanistic confirmation, called humanistisk konfirmasjon, which is not associated with religious traditions. |
| In this lesson you will learn about Norwegian Confirmation. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question- |
| How old is a Norwegian usually when he or she has his or her confirmation? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| The Confirmation is a transition ritual originally brought to Norway via the Christian faith. From 1736 all the way until 1912 the Confirmation was compulsory, so everyone had to be confirmed. In order to participate in a Christian Confirmation in Norway, a person had to have a baptism or dåp, first. |
| Today, if a Norwegian person chooses a Christian confirmation in The Church of Norway, they will go through several lessons in classes, groups, camps, and sermons. The Christian confirmation is an act of intercession, where the church confirms the promises given by God at the time of baptism. |
| In Norway, it is also possible to have a humanistic confirmation. Before the ceremony, the person to be confirmed takes a course. The course runs for several weeks and consists of education in ethics, outlook on life, and societal questions. This education is meant to help youth understand ethical values or etiske verdier on a humanistic basis. |
| After the ceremony, there is a celebration for the confirmand. In the celebration, family members will give speeches for the confirmand, and that person also gives a speech. After the speeches, a buffet-style meal is served and the confirmand receives gifts. Common gifts are often money, jewelry, or Norwegian traditional clothing called bunad. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| How old is a Norwegian usually when he or she has his or her confirmation? |
| A candidate for confirmation in Norway usually turns fifteen years old in the year of their confirmation. This applies for a confirmation in both the Norwegian Church and at humanistic events. |
| What did you think of this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| Do you have confirmation in your country? |
| Leave us your comments on NorwegianClass101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson. |
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