RUSS

Russ (singular and plural) is a participant in the traditional norwegian videregående skole (equivalent to high school) graduation ceremony known as russefeiring (russ celebration). Russ are easily recognized by their distinctive overalls, which tradition dictates that they wear from the 1st to the 17th of May without interruption (except when sleeping), and without washing it. They also have cars, vans or buses, which are painted the same colour as their overalls, and often sport large sound systems or lighting rigs. On the 17th of May (which is Norway's national day, and the final day of the festivities) they are also recognizable by their caps (russelue), which resemble student caps, and which also match the colour of the overall.

History

The tradition goes back to the 1700s, at a time when no universities existed in Norway, and Norwegians would attend the University of Copenhagen to study alongside Danish students. Arriving at the university, students had to pass the Examen Artium in order to be enrolled. After completing their examinations, horns were placed on their foreheads and they were ridiculed by older students. When the results from the exams were ready, the students would participate in a ceremony called Examen Depositiones, in which they were called up to the examinator; if they had passed the test, their horns would be removed, as a sign of wisdom and subjugation of the wild animal within. From that point, the young persons had the right to call themselves students.

Russ Cards

Russ cards (russekort) are mock business cards that the russ will hand out to anyone that asks for them. They contain a picture, contact details, and a slogan. Usually the picture is either a funny picture of the graduate him or herself, or a drawing, picture of a celebrity, or other funny picture. The name and contact details are usually spoofs, and the slogan is a joke.

Russ will exchange such cards for fun and to remember other russ they are introduced to during the festivities. Having a large collection of other russ' cards is a status marker, as it is regarded as a sign of popularity, especially cards from members of the opposite sex. Since the extensive festivities of the russefeiring is an excellent opportunity to meet members of the opposite sex, it is common for the cards to sport lewd jokes or suggestive remarks.

However, such cards are also very attractive to preschoolers and primary school kids, who collect them and barter them. This has lead some parents to speak out against lewd content on russ cards. As a consequence, many russ carry two sets of cards: One designed for kids, and one designed for adults and other russ. (wikipedia)