THE WEST SIBERIAN CITY HOLIDAYS IN THE ASPECT OF VALUE-SIGN SYSTEM

Abstract

This article is the first attempt to trace the creation and functioning of sign system of city celebrations in West Siberia in 1920-1930-s. Basing on the teachings of semiotics developed by M. Yu. Lotman the author reveals the holiday as part of the culture, and as a system of signs which help to preserve and interpret the information. The visual, auditory, color, smell and taste sign means are studied. It is shown that red, black and white colors were commonly used at holidays. They were the red banners, red stars as a symbol of universal happiness. Black color was used in order to denote the enemies and their evil thoughts against the Soviets. White did the best festive - white clothes, white bread. The visual and auditory sign means were used in Siberian holidays as well. They were films and theatricals, as well as sports. Special festive value formed aviation show and skydiving. Aviation driving of leading workers was real fest symbol in 1930-s. An important role in festive technologies belonged to a musical sign means. As a rule, hymns and marches were heard during holidays. Ordinary citizens sang songs, played on guitar, balalaika, garmoshka (accordion). Amateur technologies dominated in festive music. They were part of so call Socialist culture, and used in the upbringing of Soviet people committed to struggle for the cause of the Communist Party. Creative amateur contests included Russian, Tatar, and Ukrainian songs. Jazz enjoyed special love of Siberian citizens, young people first. It was seen as a symbol of a new era. Jazz was often performed before movies, and at celebrations in working clubs in Siberian cities - Stalinsk, Kemerovo, Novosibirsk. City holidays necessarily accompanied with smell and taste sign means. Rich white bread prepared in families for the holidays. It was a continuation of the traditions of the pre-revolutionary time. New were gingerbread and biscuits with the Party-State symbols. The most characteristic sign mean in the Siberian cities, it was ice cream. It promoted the Party and Government leaders, such as Kalinin and Mikoyan. Ice cream has become a real symbol of holidays in 1920-1930-s. Festive signs reflected the new value of the Soviet-era holidays. They pointed to the change, and at the same time underlined the preservation of traditions of urban culture.