Julia's Confirmation

Our goddaughter's confirmation in Oslo was a truly uplifting experience. A large congregation consisting of the extended families of the twenty-four confirmees gathered in an airy church to watch them pass through this right of passage which is so central to the lives of every fifteen-year old Norwegian that is is only rivalled by baptism and marriage. There are religious and civil ceremonies to choose between.

It was all in Norwegian, of course, but the thrust, significance and emotion of it all was clear, helped, for us, by hymns sung to the melodies of 'Be Thou My Vision' and 'Thine be the Glory'. The service culminated in the minister dancing down the aisle followed by the confirmees and the entire congrgation, all to a bouncy rock number!

Lunch followed in an Art Deco restaurant overlooking the Oslo fjord before our party of thirty-three repaired to Julia's home for coffee and cake. As guests of honour, we delivered a speech and also led the singing of an adapted popular song, as is traditional at such events. Ours was based on Mhairi's Wedding, also known as The Lewis Bridal Song. Here it is for our record . . . and also some extras.

A lovely day and weekend!

Oslo on 7th September 2019

To celebrate the occasion of our dear goddaughter, Julia Buset's, confirmation.

All For Sake of Julia

Chorus:
Step we gaily, on we go,
Heel for heel and toe for toe,
Arm and arm and row on row,
All for sake of Julia!

Bonny baby, Zurich born,
Oh, what joy she brought that morn,
Every herdsman blew his horn,
All to welcome Julia!

Step we gaily, on we go,
Heel for heel and toe for toe,
Arm and arm and row on row,
All for sake of Julia!

Baby steps turned pas de deux,
Quelle ballerine, c'est la meilleure,
Before time came to say 'adiuex',
All applauded Julia!

Step we gaily, on we go,
Heel for heel and toe for toe,
Arm and arm and row on row,
All for sake of Julia!

Now's the time for adventures new,
The world awaits her next debut,
Wish her well with every sinew,
Everyone's for Julia!

Step we gaily, on we go,
Heel for heel and toe for toe,
Arm and arm and row on row,
All for sake of Julia!