Norwegians (yes all of you), what is the deal with the flag on your birthday thing? I'm from an embarrassingly patriotic country and even I find this odd.

It's interesting to hear from a Norwegian who doesn't have this as a norm but I have to admit I am baffled (not as an American, but as a student of culture) to see so many people insisting this usage of the flag is divorced from patriotism, however benign. https://twitter.com/ingridvigeland/status/1283859636765044736?s=19

If I consider it, my current theory is that rather than narcissism of the individual elevated to the holy day, this circles back to Janteloven. Even a celebration of an individual is about the celebration of Norwegian culture as a whole. Like even when it's about you, it's not.

The Norwegian flag has 0 national implications when used in celebration, definitely not something to examine further. Got it.

Anyway, I only asked because it's MY birthday. Muting this to drink champagne and be 41. Argue with your mama.

I see that some people are still engaging with this thread. I promise y'all you're not making the arguments you think you are but by all means have at it. I only get notifications for mutuals AND it's muted. Use your time wisely.