"Russefeiring": What You Should Know About Norway's WILD graduation parties!
So What Exactly is Russefeiring?
Russefeiring or Russ as it is often known, is a completely wild, almost month-long party celebration prior to graduating from high school revolving around wild parties, bizarre yet hilarious dares (we'll get to that later), lots of booze, more booze, public nudity and more! It puts American Pie to shame! And, not only is this crazy month of debauchery socially acceptable, it's ENCOURAGED.
History
Russefeiring begins in the end of April and lasts until the Norwegian Constitution Day, May 17th. This is according to the article Dugnad Russ as seen on https://norgesbriketten.no/dugnad-russ/. The famous celebration can be traced back to 1905 when graduates of certain schools wore red caps to distinguish themselves from the common graduate. It was inspired by German students who visited Norway in 1904 and all wore red caps. Initially Norwegians adopted the same style of red hat or Russelue but then blue hats were added as well as red or blue overalls known as Russebukse. Students give each other Russ names which are emblazoned on their caps. Over the years the Russefeiring tradition has evolved to include most graduates from secondary school and the event celebrates the acceptance of students to institutions of higher learning.
Russ in Modern Times
Nowadays students are really serious about the Russ. They save up for years prior to graduation (parents often contribute as well) and rent or buy large coach buses ("russebuss") that are completely decked out with colors, graphics and retrofitted and customized to meet all of ones partying needs! Now, you might be thinking, "hey isn't it dangerous to be driving around in your own bus while intoxicated"? Not to worry...they hire drivers to drive them all over the country, going to festivals, parties, raves, you name it! Large gatherings of buses parked in campgrounds and other locations throughout the country frequently become centers of partying, complete madness and debauchery!
The Famous Dares or "Russeknuter"
In this near month long non-stop, outrageous partying and lunacy, students come up with HILARIOUS dares for each other. These can include, but are not limited to, chugging copious amounts of beer with tampons in your mouth, walking around all day with loafs of bread duct taped to your feet in place of shoes, finishing a big mac in two bites, drinking 24 beers a day, kissing police officers, running in public naked and the list goes on... Referance: https://www.businessinsider.com/what-the-norwegian-teen-holiday-russefeiring-is-like-2017-6?r=US&IR=T
A Controversial Celebration
If you ask many Norwegian students they will tell you that they have the wildest graduation parties in the world and it's hard to see how they are wrong. Such public partying, craziness and absurdity would likely not be tolerated as much in other western countries. It is not uncommon for an ordinary adult to be sitting at an intersection, waiting for the light to turn green, only to be surrounded by dancing Russ students celebrating in their red and blue attire with beers (sometimes two) in hand. Buses of students often invade different towns and cities like military sailors arriving in a foreign country with time off and and an insatiable desire to let loose!
Yes, the Police is Involved
Though socially acceptable and encouraged for the most part, the month long partying event is not without controversy. Police and public health officials end up having to deal with violence and sexual assault (at times) and public health officials worry about the spread of STD's so use of condoms is highly encouraged. Also, in the bigger city of Oslo, events are often more structured than in smaller towns. While controversy will always be a part of the annual celebrations, it's unlikely they will be going away any time soon.
The Most Shocking? School doesn't end!
What's crazy is that students are expected to go to classes during the festivities. This doesn't always occur and it's quite common to see students arriving for class hungover and with only 1 hour of sleep. Nevertheless students put in many hours organizing and cooperating with their peers which is encouraged as teens become adults that, out of necessity, need to be somewhat organized in taking on the responsibilities of an adult so the attitude of teens is "why not one big final blowout before we have to grow up!"
