Russia at the break of epochs: Novgorod Museum-Reserve showed rare photos of the first anniversary of October from Borovichi

In early November, the October Revolution Day is celebrated in Russia. During the Soviet era, it was a major public holiday, with demonstrations and even military parades taking place across the country. The Novgorod Museum-Reserve in its MAKS-channel published rare photos in which Russia is captured at the junction of two eras, when the new government has already asserted its orders and symbols, but has not yet formed its own traditions.

In pictures from the museum funds - Borovici, November 7, 1918. Crowded processions, red banners, propaganda cloths and revolutionary slogans. Meanwhile, in November 1918, Russia was going through one of the most dramatic periods of its history. Civil war, lack of food, total reconstruction of life. And yet the celebration took place.

But if you look at these pictures, you can clearly see the traces of a passing world. The facades of the houses are decorated with spruce garlands - this festive reception was used in the Russian Empire. In the ranks of the demonstrators, people in old-style overcoats and caps are noticeable: the military uniform did not have time to change, and the old signs of belonging continued to exist side by side with the new symbols.

These images are valuable evidence of transition. They show that the formation of new traditions is a process that lasts for years: even when new orders and symbols are established, old forms and habits remain a part of reality for a long time. The photographs from Borovichi demonstrate this delicate historical moment: the boundary at which the past is still palpable, and the future is just emerging.

“These photos capture Russia at the junction of two eras, when the new government has already asserted its own orders and symbols, but has not yet formed its own traditions,” the press service of the museum said.