By Elizabeth Naumczyk.
Two Royal Life Guards (Den Kongelige Livgarde) standing at the entrance of the residence of the Embassy of Denmark welcomed members of the diplomatic community and guests to celebrate the Danish National Day – “Grundlovsdag” Constitution Day.
The event was hosted by H.E. Ole E. Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark and his wife Lisbeth Lisbeth Schrøder on a beautiful afternoon on the 3rd of June 2016 in the garden.
Denmark celebrates its Constitution Day or ‘Grundlovsdag’ as it is called in Danish, on June 5. This day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of 1849, which made Denmark a constitutional monarchy, and laid out the framework of Danish democracy. According to the Ambassador, Denmark has not changed its Constitution many times but a significant event on this day occurred in 1915 when women were granted voting rights.
2016 is also the 400 year anniversary of the death of the British author William Shakespeare. In his work Hamlet, we recall Marcellus saying to Horatio “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”. Marcellus is referring to the Denmark’s moral and political situation to which Horatio replies “Heaven will direct it”, Denmark to health and stability which implies something needs to be done.
The Ambassador then referred to the Danish flag, Dannebrog, which, according to legend, came into Danish possession during the Battle of Lyndanisse also known as the Battle of Valdemar (Danish: “Volmerslaget”) in 1219. The Danes prayed to God, and a flag fell from the sky and allowed them to defeat the Estonians. It is the oldest flag and every weekday it is lowered, and since it came from heaven, it cannot touch the ground.
Afterwards, the Ambassador spoke about the large tree in the centre of the garden which is a symbol of the Danish tradition of fairy tales. He mentioned the fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen’s Fyrtøiet (English: The Tinderbox). This tale is about a poor soldier meeting a witch who directs him to find a magic tinderbox in a tree. He ends up keeping the tinderbox by killing the witch and marrying a princess and becoming a king.
The Ambassador light-heartedly concluded that while not all Danes end up being kings or princesses they, nevertheless, are known to be the happiest people in the world. The Constitution has made this a reality allowing people to receive free education and medical care. He then wished everyone a happy and enjoyable day.
The proved no problem with guests being treated to a “garden party” with Danish hotdogs, strawberries and cream, ice cream and refreshments including Carlsberg beer. The Carlsberg Foundation is known for its significant contributions to arts and sciences making us both “happier and smarter”. Music was provided by the Royal Life Guards who walked among the guests as well as a jazz band called Jazz Supply. The day ended with everyone singing one of Denmark’s most beloved songs I Danmark er jeg født (English: In Denmark I was born) Lyrics by Hans Christian Andersen, 1850 and Melody: Henrik Rung, 1850.
