Russ!

Well, if I was back in America today, this would be the day where I would attend commencement.  This essentially means that I would walk across the stage in my cap and gown, and receive a fake diploma.  What it actually means, is that I have graduated university!!!! So in the spirit of graduations, I figured it was time to do a blog on the Norwegian high school celebration - Russ.

Ka e russ på engelsk? Asks one of my students at my field work to the english teacher.  Well, there is no direct translation. Russ, is the time of year when High School Seniors celebrate graduating Highschool.  It is quite unique though.  First of all, it lasts for 3 weeks.... Yes 3 weeks.  It is officially over on May 17th, which is Norways National day.  The best part about all of this, is they party for 3 weeks straight, and write exams AFTER they have celebrated.

Now you are probably thinking, wow partying for 3 weeks straight, that must be very frowned upon.  Well, it is very traditional here, and from everyone I have spoke to, they all have fond memories of their Russ celebration.  From what I understand, almost everyone participates in the activities if you are senior/last year of highschool.  I think it is very cool, and it would have certainly been fun to have experienced Russ.

So, here comes the best party about Russ, the traditions.  First of all, they have these crazy pants, that they cannot take off or wash for 3 weeks straight.  You can take them off to go to bed, but that is all!  There are 4 colours so I have been told, but have only actually seen three: Red, Blue and Black (the other colour being green).  The colour that you wear is dependent on what stream of highschool you attended. The pants are ordered, and can be completely customized by the student who wears them.  It is also normal for people to write all over them. Here is a picture of some russ students in a parade.

On top of all of this, they also creat Russ busses which are decorated and used for partying throughout the period.  They are generally older vans, and fixed up for the occasion.  The students also have Russ Cards, that they can give out to people, that have things like their name, a picture of them, a joke etc.  They are quite humourous.  There is also a list of tasks that the russ students can do, which vary from driving around a round-a-bout so many times, sitting under the desk all day at school, and many party related tasks.

Russ Kids and their bus.

All in all, it seems like a crazy, yet really fun tradition that Norwegians share.  It is extremely funny to walk around town, and see all the kids wearing their Russ pants.  Norwegians, I would love for you to share your favourite Russ moments in the comments, and any corrections that should be made to this blog post!