avdryssing

Avdryssing is a term used in Norway to describe the act of sprinkling or showering with water, typically in a playful or ritualistic manner. It is most commonly associated with May Day celebrations, particularly among children. On May 1st, it is a tradition for children to go out and lightly sprinkle or spray water on unsuspecting adults, often their parents or teachers, as a way of celebrating the arrival of spring and summer.

The practice is generally lighthearted and intended to be a fun surprise. The water used is typically cold, and the act is often accompanied by laughter and playful shouts. While the most common association is with May Day, similar small-scale water-sprinkling traditions might occur in other contexts, though they are less widely recognized or celebrated. The origins of avdryssing are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to be a folk custom linked to ancient traditions of purification and the welcoming of new seasons.

The tradition is largely harmless and is seen as a way for children to engage in a playful act of rebellion or celebration before the summer holidays. While sometimes a bit of a nuisance for those on the receiving end, it is generally accepted as a harmless and cherished part of Norwegian spring traditions. The scale of the "sprinkling" is usually minimal, often just a few splashes or a quick spray from a water pistol, rather than a drenching.