Escapecraft

Russ (singular and plural) is a participant in the traditional Norwegian upper secondary high school (equivalent to high school or the British equivalent to sixth form) graduation ceremony known as russefeiring (russ celebration). Russ are easily recognized by their distinctive overalls and caps (russeluer) resembling student caps. Tradition dictates that they wear the overall and the cap from the 1st to the 17th of May (in some places in Norway, they start as early as 16th of April) without interruption (except when sleeping), without washing any of them. Russ commonly drive cars, vans or buses painted in the same colour as their overalls and caps, often sporting large sound systems or lighting rigs.

In addition to the uniforms, caps, and dares, one of the most important parts of the russ celebrations are the “russebil” – cars or buses the russ decorate and equip with immense stereo systems. Inside, the buses are often fitted with TVs and entertainment equipment, couches, refrigerators. Up to 22 500€ (200 000 Kr) per member have occurred. The average is between 1500€ and 4500€. Including sponsors, the cost of a bus can reach over 230 000€!! (2,000,000 Norwegian kroner).

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 led some parents to speak out against lewd content on russ cards. As a consequence, a few russ carry two sets of cards: One designed for kids, and one designed for adults and other russ.

Russ knots (russeknuter) are items you earn by performing different tasks, such as sitting under your desk during class or kissing a police officer. The russ knots have been strongly criticized because many of the tasks can be considered illegal and dangerous. Examples are running through your school yard naked, abducting a freshman, and drinking a litre of wine in 20 minutes.

Here are some excerpts from the list of the russe knots (and the items you receive):
Answering every question the teacher asks by reading out loud from a porn magazine (pornographic picture)
Speak a language other than Norwegian for an entire day (a piece of a dictionary)
Drink a beer while having two tampons in your mouth (a tampon)
Order a meal from McDonalds or Burger King without using vowels (a letter from the alphabet)
Have safe sex outdoors (a pinecone)
Ask for sex tips from the mother of one of your fellow russ (a safety-pin)