There is no sound here, except for that constant chatter in my head
This is my brain-dump, sketchbook, notebook, writings drawing essays and other sundry of things that I find very important, but you may not.....
Syttende Mai - The Art of Preparedness and Feminine DominationNorwegian Flag
The 17th of May (Norsk) is the day in 1814 that the Norwegians declared their independence and implemented their Constitution. Being the pragmatic Scandinavians that they are, the Norwegians wrote their constitution before declaring independence; unlike us Americans who reached for our weapons before our pens. It was 11 years after the beginning of bloodshed, before anyone decide to map out on paper what we wanted as a country. The Norsk wouldn't get completely acknowledged independence (as in on paper) until 1905, but as far as daily life was concerned what they got was what was tantamount to independence. They had their own constitution and did things their own way.
Domination By DenmarkDanish Flag
So what did the Norwegians get? What happened? If the word "domination" brings about a feminine, possibly marital, sensibility and the imagery of a woman in a pivotal role, you'd be right. Queen Margrete ruled over the peaceful union of Norway and Denmark,
|
Novels of Conrad Lawrence available for Kindle on Amazon |
which came about by marriage. Margrete was the daughter of the King Denmark and married the King of Norway creating a union between Norway, Sweden and Denmark that lasted 400 years. Well, after 125 years Sweden dropped out. Polyamory marriages are tough. But the union between Denmark and Norway was peaceful and both countries flourished. The way this matriarchal union came about was like this: Denmark ruled Sweden. Margrete's husband died soon after the plague, leaving her ruler of Norway. Soon after that Margrete's father died, leaving her also the ruler of Denmark and Sweden with the seat of government bing in Denmark. Hence the domination rather than conquering phraseology.
------------------------------
The Loss of Feminine Wisdom and Independence - Finally
So how did Norway finally get independence? During the Napoleanic Wars, Norway/Denmark tried to remain neutral, but their economy was dependent on trade with Britain. Sweden allied with Napolean. Margrete had been dead for over 300 years and along with it here wisdom. Financially weakened by loss of trade due to Napolean's conquest of Europe and the beating he was giving Britain, Denmark gave Norway to Sweden. On May 17th, 1814, (Syttende Mai) Norway offered up it's constitution. In August, Sweden reacted violently and a deal was struck. Swedish monarchy ruled Norway, while Norway kept it's Constitution and Parliament. Ever pragmatic, Norway realized that paying taxes was cheaper and less costly in lives than waging war and otherwise they got to live life on their terms. Sort of like having a drunk father who you agree to call dad, but who lives elsewhere. The King was in Sweden, but they ruled themselves under their own constitution. Like a drunken father, Sweden was sometimes cruel and brutally violent; so in June 1905 the Norsk Parlement voted to break the union with Sweden. Fearing war, Sweden granted that break on October 26th, 1905.
Lessons useful for today?
Sure. History is a teacher to be learned from. How about: Peaceful pragmatism will get you more of what you want for less cost than war, and don't go messing with other countries finances or they will eventually revolt - violently if necessary! And, when you do win, don't rub your vanquished foe's nose in it. Hence, the Norwegians don't celebrate August 13th, but The Syttende Mai!
Lessons useful for today?
Sure. History is a teacher to be learned from. How about: Peaceful pragmatism will get you more of what you want for less cost than war, and don't go messing with other countries finances or they will eventually revolt - violently if necessary! And, when you do win, don't rub your vanquished foe's nose in it. Hence, the Norwegians don't celebrate August 13th, but The Syttende Mai!