Expert explained the importance of state symbols for Belarusians
Belarus is today celebrating National Emblem, Flag and Anthem Day, and Vadim Gigin, the Chairman of the Board of the Republican Belarusian Znanie Society, shared her views on the state symbols for Belarusians
In recent years, much attention has been paid to the fair criticism of extremist symbols. “But let's say something positive about our national flag and emblem. The flag is definitely raised more often, it is a shrine. Our struggle since 2020 has been linked to a wide spread of the national flag. Look at how we responded to that challenge: flags are raised on all buildings, and they are actually everywhere. There are a lot of flags countrywide, and that’s right," Mr. Gigin stressed in his talk with Alfa Radio.
The expert also recalled the republic’s state symbols in Soviet times. Many important historical events were associated with them.
“This is the flag of Belarusisation. The Belarusian State University, the Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Belarusian Culture were founded under the red flag, and the reunification was also accompanied by the red banner in 1939. The red banner is the banner of the military units that participated in the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders. It is the banner of the partisan brigades that liberated Belarusian towns and villages. It is connected with our post-war victories. It is the banner of Mazurov and Masherov. All our victories, outstanding Belarusian literature, cinema, and the post-war period of Belarus’ flourishing are inseparable from this banner. Moreover, the modern construction of the Republic of Belarus is taking place under our flag, our emblem and our anthem," Mr. Gigin explained.
The radio programme host, Polina Konoga, asked the expert why the state flag of Belarus is being defiantly removed in the West, and why a white-red-white one is being used instead.
Mr. Gigin commented, “They emphasise whose heirs they are. This does not mean that they had policemen in their families. They may not be biological heirs, but spiritual ones.”
Speaking of whether it is possible to assert today that the state symbols have become an integral part of the common culture of every Belarusian, the expert noted, “The people accepted them right from the beginning, and they have always been winning over the opposition ones. We organise solemn ceremonies honouring our national flag, emblem, and anthem. In 2021, it was such a day of our victory. It became clear then that a coup attempt had completely failed, there would be no promised spring wave, and the opponents had lost. I remember well what the mood reigned at the National Flag Square at that time, how people greeted our security forces. There were those who attended rallies in support of peace and stability in our country, who participated in car rallies, who retaliated against provocateurs and saboteurs who tried to infiltrate our schools, universities, and factories. All those people who passed the tests of 2020 really celebrated the victory in that battle by honouring our flag and emblem and by singing the anthem.”
The expert also shared his views on the anthem which is called a civil prayer for a reason, “The singing of our anthem – especially when this is being done jointly – symbolises our belonging to a common nation, to a common state. True, this is a civil prayer. We have a very beautiful anthem, everyone admits this.”
