The Czechoslovakian corps in the symbolic and commemorative practices of the anti-Bolshevik governments in the east of Russia in the summer of 1918 - the autumn of 1919

The article discusses the formation of the image of the Czechoslovakian Legion within the framework of symbolic and commemorative practices carried out by the Provisional Siberian and Provisional All-Russian governments in the summer of 1918 - the autumn of 1918. The image of the Czechoslovak legionnaires was built into the narrative of the “revival of Russia”, which was considered a key element of anti-Bolshevik ideology. The image was formed in the official representation of the state power through the implementation of various celebrations, rituals, commemorations, and demonstration of certain symbols. Following R.S. Wortman, the authors analyse the representations of the Czechoslovakian Legionnaires within the practices that were part of the “scenarios of power” of anti-Bolshevik governments in Siberia in the summer of 1918 - the autumn of 1919. Czechoslovakian Legionnaires were permanent and integral participants of the military festivities, official receptions and celebrations, banquets and mourning events held in Siberia during the period under analysis. Having a a special symbolic status within the “scenarios of power” of the anti-Bolshevik governments, these events were to create a positive images of a strong state power and its allies, including Czechoslovaks. The motive of the all-Slavic unity was the key one. The idea of “brotherhood in arms” between Russians and Czechs was expressed through joint military ceremonies and in the images of heroes who “died for the Slavdom” in the process of solemn funeral and installation of monuments at the burial places of the Czechs and Slovaks victims. The authors conclude hat symbolic and commemorative practices in which the Czechoslovak Corps was involved were used by the political propaganda of the antiBolshevik governments in Eastern Russia and by the loyal press to create the image of “brothers in blood” as a collective Hero-Saviour, a source of legitimacy of the new state power in Siberia, a mediator for the restoration of relations with former allies in the First World War and other Slavic nations.

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