Holidays of Russian Emigration as Reflection of Historical Code of Pre-Revolutionary Russia (1920-1930)

Abstract

The phenomenon of celebration as reflection of the history and culture of people is examined. The article focuses on holidays of the Russian emigration of 1920-1930. It is shown that the holidays of pre-revolutionary Russia in emigration contributed to the unity of the emigre community and preservation of cultural traditions. It is noted that the preparation of festive events and participation in it served as a mechanism of identity preservation and transmission of historical memory. It is stated that the form of organization of holidays are solemn assemblies, lectures, meetings, exhibitions; the format of the event depended on the social and age group for which it was prepared. A review of the basic holidays of the foreign Russia in the interwar period marked the emergence of emegrants’ holidays: “Day of Russian culture” and “Day of the Russian child.” It is shown that the unwillingness of immigrants to accept the Soviet reality and the desire to preserve the values and traditions of a homeland for the descendants was expressed in the tradition to celebrate the holidays of pre-revolutionary Russia. It is concluded that the communication process during the preparation of the event strengthened the identification of refugees with the emigre community, which symbolized an abandoned Homeland. Collective action contributed to the perception of emigration in the eyes of the local community as a cohesive body, with its cultural and historical features.

Keywords

• history of russia
• emigration
• foreign russia
• holiday
• identity
• historical memory