National Russ Day

Welcome to the delightful world of National Russ Day, where we celebrate all things russ-tastic! Grab your passports, because we're about to take a wild internet ride to explore the origins of this glorious day. Let's buckle up and get ready for some serious fun!

When is Russ Day?

It's national russ day on the 20th April.

The Origins of National Russ Day

Have you ever wondered why we needed a special day to celebrate Russ? Well, it all started back in the golden age of the internet when a group of passionate netizens decided that Russ, a lovable and slightly quirky character from an obscure webcomic, deserved his own day of recognition.

On April 20, 2017, Russ Day burst onto the scene with a flurry of memes, fan art, and general Russ-themed mayhem. The internet was instantly smitten with Russ and couldn't get enough of his charming antics.

Now, every year on April 20th, we gather together to pay homage to our favorite internet icon, showering him with virtual hugs, high-fives, and copious amounts of Russ-themed content.

How to Celebrate National Russ Day

On this special day, you have the freedom to celebrate Russ in whatever way brings you joy. Here are a few popular activities to get you started:

Create Russ-inspired artwork and share it online
Dress up as Russ and surprise your friends with his eccentric charm
Host a virtual Russ-themed party, complete with Russ trivia and Russ-shaped snacks
Spread the word about Russ Day on social media using the hashtag #NationalRussDay

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and embrace the whimsical spirit of Russ!

History behind the term 'Russ'

9th century

Viking Origins

The term 'russ' first emerged in the 9th century when Scandinavian Vikings ventured eastward into the lands of the Slavic people. These Vikings referred to the Slavic people as 'russ,' derived from the ancient Norse term 'rods,' meaning 'rowers' or 'seafarers.' This term was initially used to describe the Slavs living along the Eastern European trade routes.

862 Rus' and Varangians

In 862, the Varangians, a group of Norse warriors led by Rurik, established the Rus' state in what is now modern-day Russia. The term 'russ' became closely associated with this early Russian state and its people. The Norse Varangians adopted the Slavic culture and eventually intermingled with the local population, giving birth to a distinct East Slavic civilization.

988 Christianization and Russian Identity

The year 988 marked a significant turning point in the history of the term 'russ.' Grand Prince Vladimir of Kiev embraced Byzantine Christianity and declared it the official religion of Rus'. The adoption of Christianity not only brought religious transformation but also helped shape a unified Russian identity among the various tribes and cultures within the Rus' state. The term 'russ' became more widely recognized as denoting the people of this emerging Russian civilization.

15th century

Russia: The Land of the Russ

By the 15th century, the term 'russ' had evolved into 'Russia,' signifying the vast land inhabited by the Russian people. The term 'Russia' became commonly used by both foreigners and locals to describe the growing centralized state under the Moscow-based Grand Duchy. It represented the political, cultural, and territorial expansion of the Rus' people, which eventually led to the formation of the Russian Empire.

Did you know?

Did you know that Russ has his own secret dance move called the "Russ Shuffle"? It's a fabulous combination of jazz hands, shimmying, and sprinkling imaginary fairy dust. Give it a try and bring some Russ magic into your life!