Influence of the Soviet government’s anti-religious policy in the late 20–30’s of 20 th century on traditional Ukrainian culture of Romny region

Abstract

Based on archival materials and testimonies of witnesses collected by the author, the
influence of the Soviet government’s policy in the late 20’s–30’s of 20 ^th century on traditional
culture of Romny region is revealed. Methods of dealing with «counter-revolutionary elements»
among the clergy are revealed. Examples of inclusion of science and cultural workers into
anti-religious propaganda, as well as members of the League of Militant Atheists to organize
anti-religious corners, exhibitions, concerts, film screening etc are showed. Because of the
strict prohibition and punishment farmers celebrated the traditional religious holidays secretly
and avoided to work these days in farms and in the factories. It is concluded that anti-religious
policy of the Soviet authorities led to the loss of much of the ritual elements of traditional
celebrations, and the holidays themselves continued to exist in transformed form.
Keywords: anti-religious policy, anti-religious propaganda, holyday, ritual, village, Romny
region