By Sofia Haan

May 17 (Syttende Mai) is Norway’s national day. The day marks the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814, making Norway an independent country. As you prepare for the holiday, check out the May issue of Viking magazine to test your knowledge with our fun and festive quiz. Here are some bonus questions.

1. The Syttende Mai children’s parade (barnetog) has always allowed both boys and girls to participate.

a. True
b. False

2. It’s common to wear a Norwegian folk costume (bunad) to Syttende Mai celebrations. What is the primary function of a person’s bunad? 

a. To look nice
b. To pay homage to your hometown
c. To show the world you are Norwegian
d. There’s no real purpose to the bunad

3. For over 140 years, participants in the Syttende Mai children’s parade have sung the national anthem, “Ja, vi elsker dette landet,” as they walk. What does this translate to in English? 

a. “Yes, we are a nation”
b. “Yeah, today is a celebration”
c. “Yes, we love this country”
d. “Yes, see our beautiful land”

4. There were several years in the 1820s where the King banned the celebration of Syttende Mai. What was the name of the king who briefly prohibited the holiday?

a. King Karl Johan
b. King Harald Halfdansson
c. King Harald Haakon
d. King Olav Tryggvason

5. Food and drink are at the heart of Syttende Mai, and Norwegians often raise a cocktail made with aquavit in celebration. Aquavit is a signature Scandinavian spice-infused spirit distilled from what produce?

a. Barley and wheat
b. Cane sugar and fruit
c. Rye and corn
d. Potatoes and grains