Legally Recognised Holidays

Generally these days are work-free, but some service industries like cafés, bakeries, restaurants and cinemas are open. The religious importance is generally seen as being on the decline.

Jan 01 2006	Sun		New Year´s Day		Jan 01 2007	Mon		New Year´s Day
Apr 13 2006	Thu	†	Maundy Thursday		Apr 05 2007	Thu	†	Maundy Thursday
Apr 14 2006	Fri	†	Good Friday		Apr 06 2007	Fri	†	Good Friday
Apr 16 2006	Sun	†	Easter		Apr 08 2007	Sun	†	Easter
Apr 17 2006	Mon	†	Easter Monday		Apr 09 2007	Mon	†	Easter Monday
May 01 2006	Mon		Labour Day		May 01 2007	Tue		Labour Day
May 17 2006	Wed		Norway National Holiday		May 17 2007	Thu	†	Ascension Day
May 25 2006	Thu	†	Ascension Day		May 17 2007	Thu		Norway National Holiday
Jun 04 2006	Sun	†	Whitsun		May 27 2007	Sun	†	Whitsun
Jun 05 2006	Mon	†	Whit Monday		May 28 2007	Mon	†	Whit Monday
Dec 25 2006	Mon	†	Christmas		Dec 25 2007	Tue	†	Christmas
Dec 26 2006	Tue	†	St. Stephen´s Day		Dec 26 2007	Wed	†	St. Stephen´s Day

Non Legally Recognised Holidays

Feb 12 2006	Sun		Mother´s Day		Feb 11 2007	Sun		Mother´s Day
Dec 03 2006	Sun	†	First Advent		Dec 02 2007	Sun	†	First Advent
Dec 10 2006	Sun	†	Second Advent		Dec 09 2007	Sun	†	Second Advent
Dec 17 2006	Sun	†	Third Advent		Dec 16 2007	Sun	†	Third Advent
Dec 24 2006	Sun	†	Fourth Advent		Dec 23 2007	Sun	†	Fourth Advent
Dec 31 2006	Sun		New Year´s Eve		Dec 31 2007	Mon		New Year´s Eve

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

Mother´s Day
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Mothers are given flowers and presents by their children.

New Year´s Eve / Day
The beginning of a new year is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1st. Just like in many other countries, there are big New Year’s Eve celebrations and at midnight there are fireworks as a salute to the New Year. January 1st (New Year’s Day – Neujahr) is a national public holiday.

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

Advent (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th)
Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The Latin word "adventus" means "arrival". It refers to the period of preparation for the coming of Jesus on the first day of Christmas. Many families have what is known as an "Adventskranz" ("Advent crown") with 4 candles. A candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent. During Advent, sweet pastries are often eaten and Christmas decorations are put up around the home. An "Adventskalender" ("Advent Calendar") is often made or bought for children. The calendar has 24 windows with small presents or pictures behind each window, for each day from the 1st until the 24th of December, Christmas Eve.

Ascension Day
Christian recognition of the departure of Jesus from earth after the resurrection. It is perhaps the earliest observed celebration in Christianity. It is observed with worship including prayers and music

Christmas
Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties

Christmas Eve
Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle lighting, manger scenes and festive meals

Easter / Easter Monday
The most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion. Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise, special music, feasting, and parades

Good Friday
Christian remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and related events

Maundy Thursday
Christian observance of the first Lord's Supper during Holy Week

St. Stephen´s Day
Christian remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr

Whitsun / Whit Monday
Whitsun or Pentecost ("Pfingsten") is celebrated with Whit Sunday ("Pfingstsonntag") and Whit Monday ("Pfingstmonntag"). This is the 50th day after Easter. This commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost among the apostles of Jesus, which was the starting point of their missionary work. Whitsun can therefore be described as the birthday of the church. Whit Monday is a public holiday.

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Public Holidays - Norway

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