Lately you may have seen hordes of rowdy teenagers in Vanilla-Ice inspired baggy red pants loitering about. They tend to be loud, spirited, and intoxicated. Their trousers range from Donald Duck-adorned patchwork to overalls with signatures on the backside. Just who are these celebratory revellers in cartoon-inspired pants?
Tradition
These are the near-graduates of Norway, in the beginning throes of a fresh season of Russ. Russ is a right of passage for students to mark the end of 13 years of school and the transition into adulthood. ”Russfeiring” usually begins after the first of May, lasting several weeks until the Norwegian National Day on 17. May.
The Outfit
The most common russ uniform consists of overalls or jumpsuits, with the color dependent on the field of study. In Stavanger it is most common to see students wearing red (general studies) or blue (health care studies) uniforms. Other uniforms of jubilant teenagers include black (vocational studies), green (agricultural studies) and white (Christian, some health care workers, atheletes and non-imbibers).
Pranks and hats
This is why the kids are so drunk – they need to earn knots for their caps! There is a special Russ cap with string hanging off it that is worn during the Russfeiring. The knots represent certain accomplishments related to the “Lists of assignments” publicized each year by russ committees at schools and communities.
According to wikipedia and quick interviews with friends whom have partaken in russ, assignments (and the knots/items hanging from the cap) could include:
Once an assignment is completed, the item is tied into the cap. Sometimes Russ assignments border on the illegal or debacherous (sex outdoors in a public place), such as when this 19 year old ran for Russ President by stripping naked. Sometimes the russ antics go to far, as observed by this lecture from the Rektor at St Olavs school. He was explaining to the russ participants that kidnapping and the destruction of property was out of bounds behaviour.
The Russ participants start one year early by collecting money for their Russ cars. These are usually old, battered vans or busses, decorated for the occasion. Students can buy and sell their russ vans via a Facebook forum, among other methods.
There has been criticism over the years that Russ has turned into too big of a business, that it is dangerous,and that it prohibits integration of foreigners. The Russ tradition can be a challenge for teenagers from religious or immigrant backgrounds. The Islam in Europe group chronicled one teenage girl’s experience being the only student in her class not a part of Russ.
More on Russ
The Russ FAQ Guide offers information on what happens when you have an alcohol blackout, discusses the dangers of chlamydia, and other questions related to the festivities .
If you want to learn more about the history of Russ, check out the wikipedia article on this topic. It explains about the Russ Busses, special-edition Russ newspapers, Russ ID cards, and other Russ inspired activities that offers clear explanations.
Extras
Looking for some Russ-wear? These guys are peddling their wares in their net boutique. More pictures are available in this Russ slideshow from the Stavanger Aftenbladet.
As seen on a Russ-mobile bus