Buekorps

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Bergen buekorps representatives

Buekorps (literally "Bow Corps" or "Archery Brigade") are traditional marching youth organizations in Bergen, Norway.

The tradition, which is unique to Bergen, dates back at least to the 19th century when children would imitate the adult militia soldiers performing close order drill. The organizations, which are called "bataljoner" ("battalions"), were first formally organized in the 1850s and are run entirely by the youths themselves. 15 different such "battalions" are active in Bergen, each usually belonging to a certain part of town.

Though the structure and ceremony of the Buekorps has military roots, the brigades are active in various other ways, ranging from physical activity and play to charitable work. Members range in age from about 11 to nearly 20, and adult veterans play a role in supporting the organizations and during certain events.

Dræggens buekorps and the commander of Bergenhus fortress

The groups consist of privates (usually carrying wooden rifles or crossbows), officers (the oldest kids with most seniority) and drummers. The buekorps have their official season from March through the summer, but are most active during spring, with Norwegian Constitution Day on May 17th as the high point of the season. On that day they are a prominent and popular part of the parade through the streets of Bergen.

In addition, the buekorps have their own celebratory days. One of these is the day they celebrate the founding date of their battalion. Every fourth year is Buekorpsenes Dag (The Buekorps Day), a series of competitions and pageantry.

Traditionally an activity exclusively for boys, the first girl buekorps was formed in 1991. This stirred some controversy in Bergen, but the girl and mixed gender battalions are now accepted by most people.

The buekorps tradition, even with many battalions experiencing trouble in keeping up the recruiting of new soldiers, continues to be a popular and proud feature of Bergen, excepting the odd complaint about noise.

[edit] The different brigades

Dræggens Buekorps (13 May 1856), – Dræggens Archery Company, boys brigade [1]
Fjeldets Bataljon (22 May 1857), Fjeldets Batalion, boys brigade [2]
Laksevågs Bueskyttere (8 May 1894), Laksevåg's Archerers, boys brigade [3]
Lungegaardens Buekorps (7 October 1994), Lungegaarden's Archery Company, girls brigade [4]
Løvstakkens Jægerkorps (11 May 2000), Løvstakken's Jeger Company, mixed brigade [5]
Markens Bataljon (4 June 1859), Marken's Battalion, boys brigade [6]
Mathismarkens Bataljon (15 June 1887), Mathismarken's Battalion, boys brigade
Nordnæs Bataillon (3 May 1858), Nordnæs' Battalion, boys brigade [7]
Nygaards Bataljon (14 June 1857), Nygaard's Battalion, boys brigade [8]
Sandvikens Bataljon (17 May 1857), Sandviken's Battalion, boys brigade
Skansens Bataljon (22 May 1860), Skansen's Battalion, boys brigade [9]
Skutevikens Buekorps (8 July 1853), Skuteviken's Archery Company, boys brigade [10]
Sydnæs Bataljon (7 June 1863), Sydnæs' Battalion, boys brigade [11]
Vågens Bataljon (1 June 1991), Vågen's Battalion, girls brigade
Wesselengens Bataljon (24 April 1873), Wesselengen's Battalion, boys brigade [12]