THE NATIONAL JUBILEE 2030 – NORWAY THROUGH A THOUSAND YEARS?
2030 is the millennium anniversary of one of the most symbolically laden events of Norwegian history: the Battle of Stiklestad on July 29 1030, where Olav Haraldsson died in an attempt to regain the kingship of Norway. The battle became a milestone for two processes which were crucial to the emergence of the country of Norway: the unification of the realm and the Christianisation. In addition, the battle marks Olav’s transition from a viking king to a saint-king. As Saint Olav, he soon became the preeminent symbol of the Norwegian realm. We see this clearly in Norway’s coat of arms: the lion is holding the axe of Saint Olav. The year 1030 is therefore closely connected to the stories about how Norway came to be.
This is the historical starting-point for «Nasjonaljubileet 2030 - Norge i tusen år?» [“The National Jubilee 2030 – Norway through a thousand years?”]. Additionally, the jubilee is founded on the understanding of 1030 as a year that symbolically weaves together histories about the genesis of Norway which extends both further back in time and also ahead to our own time. The key aspect of the jubilee is unification of the realm, Christianisation, and the interplay between these two historical phenomena. The multifarious imprint of the Saint Olaf heritage through a thousand years also constitutes an opening into topics such as jurisprudence, folklore, culture, migration, belonging, the Sami as an indigenous people of Norway, the relationship between the majority and various minorities, religion and outlooks on life, the use of history, and many others. 2030 is, therefore, a unique opportunity to become more familiar with the importance of Olav and the events of 1030, and also to point to the many different stories that comprise the history of how Norway has been shaped.
Jubilees are occasions for both celebration and reflection. They are also events that potentially leave a large societal imprint. Therefore, the National Jubilee 2030 provides an opportunity for retrospection, while it also requires us to look ahead. Our wishes for the future are shaped by the society in which we are currently living. At the same time, our understanding of the past is in constant development For this reason, the jubilee opens up for a broad conversation about our past and the road to our own time and to our future – “Norway through a thousand years?” The term “national jubilee” reflects both the historical starting-point and the jubilee’s ambition to engage the whole country. Participation and the development of knowledge are cornerstones of the jubilee concept. In addition, the jubilee is founded on five core values which serve to open up for valuable conversations:
1. Community – how do we create a community that both tolerates and appreciates differences?
2. Values – are there core values that are absolute?
3. Identity – how do we understand and define ourselves in encounters with others?
4. Heritage – what do we take from the past, and what do we pass on?
5. Renewal – how do we shape a society that balances tradition and renewal?
Starting from the importance of the year 1030 in Norwegian history, the overarching purpose is to use these core values as an invitation to the entire country to participate in a conversation about what Norway has been, what Norway is, and what the future Norway could and should be. In this way, we are creating a jubilee marked by grand events, meaningful encounters, and lasting values for both Norway of today and Norway of the future.