Let me lead you through the streets of Moscow

by Anni Pelmeni

The Soviet period of Russian history left its hallmarks even on the appearance of the Red Square. Lenin Mausoleum placed in the mid of the Red Square had both political and logistical implications. The decision to preserve Lenin's body was ideological one: creation of new ideology that were to substitute old religions and old philosophy needed new relics. What could be the better place for demonstration of the holiest relic of new ideology then the formidable Red Square. The first Mausoleum was wooden built within several days right before the official funeral. For the next version of Mausoleum marble and stones of the best quality were used. This is the Mausoleum as we know it nowadays. In Soviet time the guard of honour was another touristic attraction. Several years ago the guard of honour by Lenin Mausoleum was dismissed.

After Lenin's death it became a tradition to bury the leaders of Communist parties in the Red Square. Right behind the Mausoleum, the wall of the Kremlin is turned into an ad hoc necropolis with the gravestones of Soviet leaders. The last funeral that took place on the Red Square was in 1984 - they buried the Secretary General of the Central Committee the Communist party Chernenko. The next to take this position was Gorbachev who is still alive. One may say that the tradition of burials on the Red Square was broken when this year the first Russian President Boris Yeltsin was buried on the Novodevjechie Graveyard instead of the Red Square. I think it is a good decision, this cult of death on the Red Square gives me shivers.

Stumbe it!