Culture of Norway
The norwegian culture cultivated from their history and geographical values. The unique Norwegian farm culture resulted not only from scarce resources and a harsch climate, but also from Norway's ancient property laws, with it unique character that is stil visible within the current Norway. The national flower of Norway is Purple Heather (Calluna vulgaris).
Celebrations:
Norwegians celebrate their national day on 17.May, Constitution Day. On this day, Norwegians where their traditional costumes (bunad) and participate in or watch the 17th May parade. This parade was idealised from Norwegian national romaticist author Henrik Wergeland.
Jonsok (St. Johns Passing) or also known as St. Hans (St. John's Day) on the 24th. June, is a common revered holiday. It marks midsummer and the beginning of summer vacation, and is often celebrated by lighting bonfires in the evening before.
Other celebrations includes the common Christians holiday, the most important is Jul (Christmas Eve, 24 December) and Påske (Easter).
Literature:
This cultural tradition is captured in Norwegian literature as represented by works like those by playwright/novelists Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, Knut Hamsun and Sigrid Undset, winners of the 1903, 1920 and 1928 Nobel Prize in Literature as well as playwright Henrik Ibsen. Expressionist painter Edvard Munch is the most famous Norwegian artist in a long artistic tradition that includes modernists such as Gunnar S. Gundersen and romantic-period painters such as Adolph Tidemand, Hans Gude, and J.C. Dahl.
And these traditions are continued in today's Norwegian films, festivals, and museums. Along with the classical music of romantic composer Grieg and the modern music of Nordheim, Norwegian black metal has become something of an export article in recent years.
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 coastal areas and rivers for summer recreation, Norway provides a natural environment which encourages outdoor sports. Virtually every Norwegian owns at least one pair of skis, and the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association stands strong.
Norwegian Kitchen:
Norway's culinary traditions show the influence of long seafaring and farming traditions with salmon (fresh and cured), herring ( pickled or marinated), trout, codfish and other seafood balances by cheeses, dairy products and excellent breads (predominantly dark/darker). Lefse is a common Norwegian potatoes flatbread, common around Christmastime. Other famous Norwegain dishes are Lutefisk and Smalahove (Sheep head).