It’s almost that time of year again.  Russetid (Russ time, the ‘u’ pronounced like a short vowel with your lips pursed in a small circle).  May 1st represents the beginning of a very important celebration in Norway-graduation from high school-which lasts until May 17, Norway’s Constitution Day.  You are probably wondering what a celebration like this entails besides having a party.  In the United States, most students that graduate from high school will have a party at their home to give friends and relatives a chance to celebrate the student’s academic achievements.  And of course there is the graduation ceremony.  And the loot students receive from their guests.  All of this essentially completes the celebration of high school in the U.S.  Pretty weak compared to Norway.  In Norway, these kids really know how to party!

Norwegian students celebrate graduation from high school in a much more serious fashion.  The celebration lasts for over two weeks!  Students (many with the help of their parents…) spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on items they deem absolutely necessary for a good Russ celebration.  The expenses can be huge when you add up the cost of russeklær, en russebuss, musikk, og alt som har med fester å gjøre (russ clothing, a russ bus, music, and everything to do with parties).  A lot of students go on trips to different cities in their vans or buses.  There’s always food and drinks (often copious amounts) to buy, in addition to club cover charges or whatever the case may be.

While most students hope to purchase a big van that fits a group of friends, some spend upwards of 6,000 to rent a full-size bus, do some major interior and exterior decorating.  Some go as far as to put a bar in the bus.  Others spend thousands of dollars on prime sound systems.  I remember hearing the thumping of super loud music from the russ buses that drove by my apartment when I lived in Norway.

So how did this tradition start?  Back in the 1700s Norwegians studied in Copenhagen because there was not yet a Norwegian university until 1811 (when the University of Oslo was established).  Upon arrival at the university, students would have to take an exam, after which horns would be placed on their heads and they would be ridiculed.  Later on when the results were ready, a ceremony was held to reveal which students passed the test.  If you passed, the horns would be taken off your head, which would symbolize the right to refer to yourself as a ‘student.’ 

At the beginning of the 20th century, the tradition evolved into Russ wearing red caps.  Today Russ wear caps (which have a tassel that they can attach items to, items that they have gained through completing certain ‘tasks’) and overalls with iron-on patches (also representing tasks that they have completed).  The colors of Russ apparel correlate with areas of study.  For example, blue = economics. 

I’ve heard some pretty crazy stories about Russ celebrations.  For you Norwegians out there, throw out a story!  And for those of you who are familiar with other cultures’ traditions for graduation from secondary school, please share them if they are interesting!

In my next post, I will provide examples of the ‘tasks’ (essentially dares) that Russ complete to decorate their clothing and their pride with.