A lot of Danes had a welcome day off today, as the country celebrated its grundlovsdag (Constitution Day). (Well, most places people actually had half a day off, working until 12 o’clock…) One and a half century ago, on June 5th 1849, Denmark got its first constitution. This was something Danish defendants of frihed (freedom) had been dreaming of for decades: King Frederik 7 putting his quill to a piece of paper, agreeing to share his power with a regering (government) that was to be elected by the citizens. It was the end of enevælden (Absolute Monarchy, literally ’the absolute monarchy’), and the beginning of democracy in Denmark. The King was still there to sign laws and wave to people from his cart. But he was no longer a dictator.
Today most Danes are happy about their grundlov (literally ’basic law’), but don’t spend much time thinking about it (unless they’re stuck in a lawsuit!) Life is easy in Denmark, and I guess that’s one of the reasons we don’t go around celebrating our constitution with the level of pomp seen in countries like Norway or the US. Of course there are problems in Denmark too, but generally the fights of the past have been laid to rest as people concentrate on celebrating the freedom of the moment.
Still, you’ll find most of the shops closed on grundlovsdag, the Dannebrog (Danish flag) flying from the flagstænger (flagstaffs, singular form: flagstang) with subdued pride. In every by (town, city) there are ceremonial get-togethers with politicians holding speeches and eventually some veteran laying down a wreath at the local war memorial.
What is danskhed (Danishness) actually? Sharing a common history and culture, or is speaking Danish enough to make you a Dane? Since 9-11 these questions have occupied a lot of space in Danish TV and newspapers.
Organizations working for the well-being of nydansker/e (New Dane/s, that is, immigrants to Denmark) have been using the grundlovsdag to promote diversity. In Copenhagen, Århus and Odense there was an alternative ”Nudansk grundlovsdag” (’Now-Danish Constitution Day’) today, to tell society that being Danish does not depend on the colour of your skin or the things you believe in at home.
I was born in Denmark, but spent large parts of my childhood and study years in Norway. I later returned to Denmark, where I finished my MA in Scandinavian Studies. Having relatives in Sweden as well, I feel very Scandinavian! I enjoy reading and travelling, and sharing stories with you! You’re always welcome to share your thoughts with me and the other readers.
