Cultural Diversity in Norway

Norway has a cultural diversity ranging from its foods, lands, traditions, customs, folk tales and
music. Unlike many other countries, Norway is actually still in tact with its cultural systems that it has
carried for years. However, there are still some ways that the country and its people are experiencing
change in its cultural diversity and they are also still trying to preserve its culture as well.
Dating back to the Viking times, Norway has carried a rural culture which is set apart from the
most commonly seen cultures of the intellectually elite (Norway). Within the rural culture, Norwegians
seek true value through things that are close to home (Norway). Norwegians aren't very flashy and have
simple taste, they also see themselves as egalitarian people where they think every one is equal and
treat all with respect and interdependence (Norwegian). Norwegians don't see people for their wealth
they obtain or jobs they hold. They also seek for honesty and sincerity within relationships of any sort
and in business meetings, they take a more casual approach (Norwegian). This rural culture is shown
very well throughout their country, especially because women are all seen as equals to the men in work
forces and at home. The equality between men and woman took time to achieve and it was a cultural
change that the country had to endure together but it only improved their country and themselves.
Other long traditions that are held within Norway are the traditional costumes, folk music, and
its food. Traditional costumes from Norwegians are called Bunad and they date back to the 1800s
(Mapes). These costumes are still worn regularly for weddings, folk dances, and every year on May
17th for the Constitution Day of Norway (Mapes). Also, folk music is very important to the country as it
is an unbroken tradition with lots of history and it is practiced and played by many (Mapes)! The
country even has an official national instrument of Norway which is actually the Hardanger fiddle
(Mapes). Folk music is very special to the Norwegians and one person actually won Eurodivion song
contest by playing Norway folk music. Folk music can even be found playing in The Lord of the Rings
soundtrack, so it is very well known around the world. Lastly, food is a huge part of the culture and

consists of many different items, especially seafood or fish. While in the country, Norwegian food is
found all over the country, accessible in almost every store as it is a part of them (Culture Info). The
food is something that Norway is well known for and they continue to keep it a part of their every day
lives and culture with an annual Norwegian Food Festival every year in August (Mapes). Traditional
costumes, music, and food are all a huge part of the culture and it is continuously kept alive. These
traditions are what keeps Norway unique and in sync with its history of how it came to be.

Illustration 1: The
Hardanger Fiddle (Mapes)

Illustration 2: The
traditional Norway
costume called the Bunad
(Mapes).
Norway is a very well rounded in cultural diversity. They continue to keep their rural culture
alive and hold an egalitarian approach among their people. They also keep the costumes, music, foods,
traditions and stories alive. I am sure that it's not easy to continue keeping these sacred parts of their
history alive as we live in a world that continues to improve its technology. In Norway, all kids ages of
9 are already well acquainted with SMSwhich is basically textingwhich is how they communicate
with everyone (Culture Info). Their country continues to keep its traditions alive despite the
advancement of technology and a huge role in that is the government and other businesses. The culture
of Norway is actually preserved through cultural events that frequently occur and these events are
actually heavily sponsored by the governments of Norway (Culture Information). The Norwegians are
an independent country and keeps itself unique because it keeps its traditions alive. The country

practices its music, creates its foods, wear their costumes and continue to hold event revolving around
their history. The country enjoys its culture and history and it has evolved from the earlier times as they
expand their customs to creating a more equal environment for all and finding more ways to share this
culture as well. Norwegian culture is unique and alive and separates Norway from other countries,
making it more special and interesting.

References
Culture Information. (2009, October 15). Retrieved November 28, 2015, from
http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/ci-ic-eng.asp?iso=no
Mapes, T. (2015). Norway Culture 101. Retrieved November 28, 2015, from
http://goscandinavia.about.com/od/scandinavianculture/ss/norwayculture.htm
Norway. (2015). Retrieved November 28, 2015, from http://www.everyculture.com/NoSa/Norway.html
Norwegian Culture and Etiquette. (2014). Retrieved November 28, 2015, from
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/norway-country-profile.html