It was October 2013, a rainy day in Stavanger, Norway. I had an interview at the Police Station to renew my visa. When they called my name, I entered the restricted area. As I approached the counter, there came a police officer wearing a huge pair black 50 years old glasses with rhinestones frame. Behind her, there were balloons hanging on the wall. The Police Station isn’t a place you usually feel super cozy, but I couldn’t avoid smiling. She smiled back. I said: Happy birthday. She thanked me while her colleagues spoke to her in a festive tone.
That’s when I realized how big turning 50 in Norway is. That surprised me as I had learned that Norwegians tend to be reserved and avoid the spotlights. Children’s birthday parties in Norway are way more low profile and simple than in Brazil. All the guests are same age as the birthday kid. Food is as simple as hotdogs or pizza and cake. The invitation states both start and finish time. In Brazil it’s more like an event, a premiere. All parents are invited too. Food is varied, music is loud, attractions are a must. Baloons are in tons. As a parent, I really like it here in Norway.
Let’s talk about the 50th year old parties. In Brazil we used to hide our age no matter what. I hope it’s changing now. In Norway, when yo turn 50, you get so much cool stuff, it’s worth revealing it to the world. At work, you get flowers, awesome gifts, a cake with your face printed on it. Your boss makes a speech about you. Your colleagues cherish you. You feel special.
If you’ve been invited to a 50-year-old birthday party, this post is crucial.
The birthday party is also very special. This is how is goes:
It’s usually a formal dinner at hoje or a restaurant. Guests get a welcome drink and mingle. Then they all find their seats (with name tags). Then the birthday person gives a speech, welcoming everyone and presenting the guests, one by one, telling how they first met (sometimes a little joke). First corse is served. Second corse is served. Usually different sets of wine to each. Then speeches. Yes, that’s right, plural. Many of the host’s friends give a speech telling old times stories. Believe me, it can take up to an hour. Dessert. More wine. Then the host invites the guests to the dance floor. Norwegians feel more encouraged to dance only after having many drinks.
Gifts: flowers, cards, wine, spa gift cards, decoration items, clothes, an experience. Many times, friends gather and buy a bigger/more expensive gift.
Toast. We say: Skål! Which in English sounds like Scoal.
Dress code: Elegant. Men wear suits, women wear cocktail dresses (pants are not so common but well accepted).
Happy birthday song. The traditional Norwegian song is long and beautiful. However, many times I have seen people sing the English version instead. Click here to listen to the Norwegian birthday song.
Very important! In Norway, if you drink alcoholic beverages, you don’t drive. Take a taxi instead. Depending on the distance, people take their bikes.
I’d love to know if this post was useful to you.