#Møn Denmark

[hansdurrer]

Møn, Denmark, 1 June 2024

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The path (2022)

[postcard-from-the-past]

Møns Klint cliffs on the Møn island, Denmark

Danish vintage postcard

[rabbitcruiser]

Denmark became a constitutional monarchy by the signing of a new constitution on June 5, 1849.   

Constitution Day

Constitution Day in Denmark is observed on June 5 to commemorate the day that marked the signing of the Danish Constitution along with its four revised editions occurring on the same date. Since the closest thing Danes have to a national day is Constitution Day, it is honored in the full spirit of patriotism. June 5 marked the birth of Danish democracy and is celebrated annually with secular services, speeches by local politicians, the raising of the national flag, and church congregations, to name a few events happening throughout the country.  

History of Constitution Day

Constitution Day is a very special day for Denmark. After spending decades in an absolute monarchy, from 1660 to 1849, the first constitution was signed by King Frederick VII in 1849, which finally declared Denmark a constitutional monarchy — a system allowing room to exercise power within a prescribed legal framework only.

The constitution was revised for the first time in 1866 and then, after the women’s suffrage movement in 1915 when women were allowed to vote, the 1849 constitution went through another revision. A third revision took place in 1920 followed by the final version, signed in 1953, which is still followed without further updates. Since there is no process of amendment, the entire document of the constitution has to be updated at every new addition or extraction of the clauses.

Interestingly, almost all updates of the constitution have occurred on June 5, which adds more significance to the date. The most recent edition, after eliminating the Upper Chamber, has created a unicameral parliament. From permitting women to inherit the throne to decreasing the percentage of votes by women necessary to change the constitution (from 45% down to 40%), June 5 is one of the most important days to celebrate in Denmark.

Not entirely an official public holiday, shops and businesses are shut down after midday and workers get a half-day off. Political organizations and associations meet for secular services, the Dannebrog is hoisted in the sky, and the general public spends the day in collective merriment.

Constitution Day timeline

1848

Danish Constituent Assembly

The assembly votes for a Danish Constitution, formalizing the transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

1849

Danish Constitution

King Frederick signs the first constitution declaring Denmark as a constitutional monarchy.

1915

Women’s Right to Vote

Following women’s suffrage, the Constitution is revised on June 5.

1992

European Convention on Human Rights

Danish law adopts the European Convention on Human Rights.

Constitution Day FAQs

Is Constitution Day a public holiday?

Constitution Day has remained a half-day off work from 1891 to 1975. Even today, it’s not an official holiday but, more or less, observed like one. 

What is a National Day in Denmark?

The Constitution Day, on June 5.

What happened on Constitution Day?

Denmark was declared a constitutional monarchy.

How to Observe Constitution Day

Learn about Denmark: The happy, art-loving country is truly a package full of surprises. Use this day as an opportunity to learn about the attractions in Denmark and, if you’re convinced, perhaps plan your next trip to see it!

Join in the celebrations by the embassy of Denmark: Attend the events that the Danish embassies participate in, such as playing the national anthem, holding rallies, and raising the Danish flag high up in the sky. It’s always fun to take part in another nation’s celebrations!

Replicate Danish cuisine! Have you ever had a morsel of the Danish hot dog? Or the classic ‘Stegt flæsk’ that’s also the country’s national dish? Danish pastry is a must-try! Search for a recipe of traditional Danish food to cook and enjoy on this day.

5 Facts About Denmark That Will Blow Your Mind

It has the oldest flag in use: Denmark’s flag is the oldest in history, having come into Danish possession during the Battle of Lyndanisse in 1219.

Bluetooth was the name of a Danish king: Bluetooth on your phone was named after the second king of Denmark, King Harald Bluetooth.

Coast longer than the Great Wall of China: You cannot spot a point in Denmark where you won’t see the ocean. It stretches along the coast at a distance of 4,545 miles. That is longer than the Great Wall of China!

Danes don’t say “please”: There is no word for “please” in the Danish language.

Happiest country in the world: It has been named the world’s happiest country on several occasions and tops the UN World Happiness Report all the time.

Why We Love Constitution Day

It freed Denmark from absolute monarchy: Living under an absolute monarchy is not ideal. June 5 marks the day when Denmark transitioned from being tied to supreme aristocratic authority to enjoying a modicum of freedom.

It’s one of the most luxurious countries in the world: Thanks to the abolishing of absolutism, Denmark is open to all foreigners who love its royal, down-to-earth castles, the luxurious lifestyle, and clean, green, and eclectic neighborhoods.

It has a strong social welfare system: According to the Danish Constitution, Danes are offered comprehensive social welfare including unemployment-, disability-, old-age-, and survivorship benefits at virtually no cost.

Source

[travelella]

Møns Klint, Borre, Denmark

Taken by Razvan Mirel

[universalambients]

Møn, 1830

[sandros-travel-blog]

Møns Klint is a 6 km stretch of limestone and chalk cliffs along the eastern coast of the Danish island of Møn in the Baltic Sea. There are countless hiking paths to explore the forrest with incredible views of the unique swirl of milky-white and turquoise-blue ocean.

[bobnichollsart]

My 25 years of palaeoart chronology…

In 2020 the GeoCenter Møns Klint (Denmark) held an exhibition of feathers in Cretaceous amber. I reconstructed the life appearance of the feathers and a dinosaur from which the feather might have come. Here's Shanweiniao.

[hapalopus]

i tried to Google it but I couldn't find

what's an alderperson?

"Ellefolk" in Danish - usually translated as elves, but I don't believe that's an accurate translation. "Ellen" is the alder tree, and the alderfolk are known for living around alder trees.

The alderfolk consist of young maidens, young men, children, old crones, and a king. The young maidens and men are beautiful and fair from the front, but with backs like hollowed-out rotted tree trunks. They often try to seduce humans to enter the alder woods with them, or to join in their dancing. Humans who give in to them go mad and want nothing more than to return to the alderpeople.

The children are described as "green" (either in skin or clothing, the stories aren't always clear) and can be seen playing in fields, on hills, and at the edge of the forest. People may hear their laughter and song without ever seeing them.

The alder crone is an ugly and dangerous, but nurturing, matriarch with tits so long she has to throw them over her shoulders to not trip on them. In Danish folklore, she's the main target of the Wild Hunt, and there are many stories of people seeing the Huntsman carrying a dead crone or two by their hair.

The alder king is one of Denmark's ancient "lesser kings" (småkonger). Most lesser kings are people, like King Amlet or King Skjöldr. Some say the alder king was a human once too, or that he ruled alongside humans - but he is definitely not a human now. He's rarely seen, and when he is seen his appearance is usually indistinguishable from the Wild Hunt (except, of course, that the alder king never carries around a quarry of alder crones). The alder king on Møn is referred to as Klintekongen. The alder king on Stevns is referred to as Stevnskongen. I'm sure many more of them have individual names. They don't take kindly to other kings entering their domain, and have been known to obstruct the King of Denmark's tours around the land.

The alder crone and the alder king are always referred to in singular, even if there are dozens or hundreds of them. It's always "the alder king," never "an alder king."

[have-you-been-here]

Møns klint, Denmark?

[hansdurrer]

Møn, Denmark, 31 May 2024

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Cliff (2022)

[dieletztepanzerhexe]

Klekkende Høj passage grave on the island of Møn in Denmark. View from the inside of the south tomb along the entrance passage

view looking north from southern end of tomb

[rabbitcruiser]

Denmark became a constitutional monarchy by the signing of a new constitution on June 5, 1849.   

[travelella]

Møns Klint, Denmark

Taken by Razvan Mirel

[skanditrip]

17.08-18.08: Møns Klint, Denmark

Bevor wir nach Kopenhagen sind, haben wir noch einen Zwischenstopp bei Møns Klint gemacht. Der Ort wurde uns von der Dänischen Familie empfohlen und war wunderschön. Die Felsen waren aus Kalk und hatten deswegen in der Sonne eine richtig schöne Farbe. Wir sind an den Klippen entlang gewandert und hatten einfach nur eine schöne Aussicht.☀️