The Bridal Veil
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The waterfall called the Bridal Veil on the north side of the fjord is especially spectacular in spring, when the river runs high. It jumps over the cliff 300 metres up, spreading like a veil over the mountainside. Seeing a rainbow in the spray from the waterfall is a sign of good luck. Norwegians like to marry in May or June. Since time immemorial, the bride and groom have been dressed in their very finest, and if she was lucky, the bride would wear an elaborate bridal crown. The tinkling from the richly decorated crown would chase away evil spirits, and a bride who danced through the night would be ensured a long and happy marriage, or so they say. In traditional weddings, both the bride and the groom wear the traditional national costume or bunad, of which some 400 varieties are found throughout the country. Today, however, many couples marry in a white gown and a suit, like elsewhere in Europe, if they decide to marry at all. Many couples choose to co-habit rather than to tie the knot in church or in city hall.