Sergei Kary: New symbolism of Novorossiya - war of the worlds

Sergei Kary, historian, Nizhyn

Symbols contain not only a certain idea, they are the very embodiment of faith in the idea. So. for example, the Order of Glory during the Great Patriotic War is not only an award, but also a symbol of faith in victory. The Order of Glory began to be awarded after the Soviet troops went on the offensive.

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Flag

The logic of choosing state symbols for the union of two people's republics is to not in any way resemble the Kyiv authorities.

The flag also suggests this idea. In accordance with heraldic traditions, in the territories dependent on the empire, the flag and its colors were approved by monarchs and emperors. The flag was given to provinces that formed as separate lands in the process of the evolution of vassalage. The yellow and blue colors of the flag were the heraldic colors of the provinces of the Austrian Empire. Then these same colors passed to the Galicians from the hands of the Austrian royal family. Franz Joseph granted the Galicians a blue and yellow flag for their active participation in the suppression of the Polish uprising of 1848.

Likewise, the crimson flag with the St. Andrew's Cross was granted by the emperor. Only not Franz Joseph, but Alexander I to the Black Sea Cossack army. The crimson color, interpreted as the color of shed blood, is associated with the legendary hero of the people's thoughts, Baida. The prototype of the hero built the first stone slaughter - Khortitsa. And among his equal Polish nobles, he bore the surname Vishnevetsky. Cherry, like raspberry, are shades of red. The Emperor added only the oblique St. Andrew's Cross to the crimson banner. According to legend, Andrew the First-Called was crucified on just such an oblique cross, considering himself unworthy of the straight cross on which Christ was crucified for our sins.

Coat of arms

The coats of arms chosen as symbols of state power are also contrasted. The pagan trident, the weapon of Neptune, is opposed by a double-headed eagle, used as the emblem of some Orthodox Churches, including Constantinople. The double-headed eagle is also known as the family coat of arms of the Byzantine emperors and the Principality of Moscow.

Both the trident and the double-headed eagle are not inferior to each other in antiquity. If a trident is found in excavations of the Trypillian culture, then a double-headed eagle holding two hares in its paws is known as a symbol of the state of the ancient Hittites.

With all the richness of interpretations and meanings, symbols have a certain basic meaning, and its meaning is only expanded, supplemented and clarified subsequently. If the trident is a rather aggressive, attacking symbol, then the double-headed eagle is more protective and defensive than an attacker. 

Motto

It is characteristic that for more than two decades of independence, no motto appeared either on the flag or on the coat of arms of the Kyiv authorities. Instead, the anthem takes on more and more sinister connotations. For the majority of the population of the peace-loving former Secular Ukraine in 1991, the words of the main text of the country were at least incomprehensible, if not alien.

Today, the last lines are more relevant than ever. When they sing that “Our warriors will die like dew on the Sontsi,” it becomes clear who the enemy of this government is. After all, the last words of the anthem express the national idea: “Let us also, brothers, join our side.” It becomes clear that their national idea is “panuvat”. Through the anthem as a national symbol, the essence of national policy in relation to both Crimea and the entire Novorossiya is revealed. They don’t want to sit down at the negotiating table and listen to the other side because their calling and purpose is to “puzzle.”

In this context, the motto of the coat of arms “will and labor” takes on a deeper meaning. Since the fifteenth century, the wild, uninhabited steppes in the lower reaches of the Dnieper from Bessarabia to the Don have become the refuge of all desperate heads who value will and freedom more than life. Soon this entire territory became a symbol of freedom, and was called the Cossack Volnitsa. But when times of peace came, with the same dedication with which the people fought, he began the feat of labor. All he needs is will. And it must be won through selfless labor.

The meaning of this motto is emphasized by the image of a Cossack with a musket on his chest near an eagle. Such images were most often found on Cossack seals. Interestingly, it should have been placed on the large coat of arms of Ukraine, which is recorded in the draft description of the large coat of arms. But there is no large coat of arms or motto. Apparently not by chance.