Mitrofanova A.V. Socio-cultural origins of the Immortal Regiment in the context of rituals of commemoration. In: Victory that changed the World (wars, revolutions, reforms in the fate of Russia): [monograph] ...

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to find out the profound causes of the popularity of the Immortal Regiment proseccion in Russia and abroad. First of all, the author show that the idea of​​immortality is a deeply rooted part of commemorative rituals in both high and and folk culture of the Russians and other peoples living in Russia. For example, this idea can be found in the works of the folk philosopher Nikolai Fedorov, as well as in vernacular mystical visions of the afterlife. Secondly, the article emphasizes that the Immortal Regiment is part of the new, individualized commemorative practices, which emerged in the second half of the last - the beginning of the present century. Thirdly, the article, basing on the author's field research, reveals the emotional intensity of the Immortal Regiment ritual procession. The author concludes that the Immortal Regiment has a tremendous potential for national consolidation, which makes it a central element of the nascent Russian civil religion, as well as an event attractive to external observers and imitators.