17. nationalities and 05. potatoes.

There’s absolutely no doubt: Norwegians consider the potato to be almost the most Norwegian of the Norwegian.

The potato however, has its roots in South America, and this tuberous crop has saved many lives throughout the world in difficult times.

How many of the Norwegian national treasures are truly Norwegian? Have we claimed ownership over something that isn’t really ours?

And does it really matter? Should we in fact go back in time to verify what truly belongs to you and me?

The 17th of May is a magical day for most Norwegians, but how do we decide what it is to be a true Norwegian? Should we check out our ancestry, tick the right box, and exclude everyone else on this day of independence? Can you be Norwegian at heart, even though your ancestors are from elsewhere?

I am a Norwegian, and I choose to celebrate my day with a multicultural condiment of fellowship, inclusion and global understanding.

By the way: I’m celebrating 17th of May in Sweden who forced Norway into a union in 1815.

I’m a traitor.

Happy birthday all Norwegians, wherever we come from.