Liverpool’s Norwegian community could be seen celebrating Norway Constitution Day – or Syttende Mai – today (May 17) at the city’s Nordic church, Gustav Adolfs Kyrka on Park Lane. Syttende Mai is the national day of Norway.
Norwegians will often celebrate with big parades as everyone dressed up in bunad – a traditional outfit worn for special occasions.
At Gustav Adolf Kyrka, Liverpool’s Norwegian community could be seen getting into the spirit of things, dressed in traditional attire and waving flags.
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The event featured traditional songs and talks about the occasion. There were also refreshments and crafts for the children.
This all followed a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pier Head at 11am.
Mari Lunde and her daughters Nola – aged five (left), and Cora -aged two, at the Norwegian Constitution Day celebrations -Credit:Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo
The first Scandinavian settlers came to the banks of the Mersey in the 9th century, and as Liverpool developed as a major global port, seafarers from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland made it their home.
Their influence can be felt all over Merseyside – from the Scouse accent, to our favourite food. We even owe the term ‘scouse’ itself to Scandinavia.
The name of our region’s most famous dish comes from a shortened form of ‘lobscouse’, a Scandinavian sailors’ dish from the 18th century.
Behind the imposing red brick exterior of the Nordic Church on Park Lane lies a simple yet stunning chapel, designed to look like the interior of a ship. The church used to cater to around 10,000 Scandinavian seamen as a place of worship and sanctuary.
Scandinavian flags including the Norwegian flag (far right) outside the Gustav Adolfs Kyrka Scandinavian church -Credit:Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo
It was also used by thousands of emigrants from Scandinavian countries as they made their way to America.
Today, Merseyside’s Scandinavian congregation is significantly smaller. The church can count on between 12 and 15 people attending the weekly Sunday service, which is delivered by a Latvian Lutheran minister who travels up from London.
But the building is also home to a vibrant community of Nordic people who have either chosen to make Merseyside their home, or who are proud descendants of Nordic immigrants.