Doing outdoor activities is when Norwegians are at their best. If you have gone for a walk in Norwegian territory, you have probably noticed that strangers greet each other. Haven’t you noticed?
Maybe it’s because they don’t always say: Hey hey. It can be a smile or a head nod. It’s a short lasting gesture. Now it’s ski season. We’ve been skiing cross country and I find it cozy to greet others on the way. More than cozy, this greeting practice makes me feel seen and acknowledged as a human being. Like I see you and we’re all together on the same boat, enjoying this magnificent nature. One day, I was sitting eating cookies, chocolate and tangerines with my child. A man said as he passed by: Oh, so the food stand is here?! I laughed and confirmed.
One aspect that I have noticed though is that young people don’t greet strangers. And not only teenagers do that. I don’t see people under 30’s do that. They look straight forward and don’t seem to bother. That’s why I raise that question. If the new generation is dropping this super cute Norwegian habit, hilseplikt (greeting obligation) will be dead in a few decades.
I hear some Norwegian specialists pointing out that teenagers nowadays are spoiled, self centered. Raising children is the most complicated task one’s ever had. Maybe mothers and fathers can be a part of the solution. I remember as a child, that my mom thought me to greet everybody when I came to visit her at the office. I started from the door man, the receptionists, the lady who made coffee, the secretaries, the salespeople, the directors, the president. Even today I can tell you their names and some special chat we’ve had.
Since Norwegians are known for being reserved, I really appreciate the “greeting obligation” and wish it will last forever.
So maybe, there’s a way to keep hilseplikt alive. Or will it come to the new generation naturally by osmosis? Doubtfully, but I hope it does.
I’d love to hear your input on this theme. Are you used to greeting others during outdoor activities?
Check my tips on cross-country skiing for immigrants here.