Forgangsmerki

Forgangsmerki is a French term that translates to "neutral mark" or "stranger mark" in English. It is used to describe a symbol or notation that indicates the purpose of the parentage of a child in Scandinavian countries.

The practice of using førgangsmerki dates back to the early 20th century, when it was used by the Norwegian government to record the birth information of children born to unmarried parents. This notation served as a neutral marker on the birth certificate or record to indicate that the father's identity was unknown or not acknowledged.

The use of førgangsmerki was particularly prevalent in Norway and other Scandinavian countries prior to the 1950s and 1960s, when family law and social attitudes towards illegitimacy began to shift. As social norms and laws changed, the practice of using førgangsmerki gradually declined.

The term has now largely fallen out of common usage, although it remains a historical artifact of changing attitudes towards family and social structure. Some records and archival databases in Scandinavian countries may still use the term or notation to indicate the unknown or unacknowledged parentage of a child.

Today, the use of førgangsmerki serves mainly as a historical reference point, providing insight into the social practices and attitudes of the past.