When the pioneers in the USSR collapsed. Symbols and rituals in the pioneer organization

“pioneers” are pioneers who explored new lands during the colonization of the Wild West.

The origins of the pioneer movement

The origins of the pioneer movement lie in scouting. In 1917, there was a relatively extensive network of children's scout organizations in Russia; There were about 50 thousand scouts in total. In the conditions of the current Civil War, scouts helped look for street children, organized children's police units and provided social assistance. At the same time, in the territories controlled by the Soviet government, the scout movement split into several directions. So, if the Moscow detachment of V. A. Popov tried to remain on the traditional principles of Baden-Powell, then in a number of cities (Petrograd, Kazan, etc.) associations of the so-called “Forest Brothers” - forest rangers; finally, pro-Soviet tendencies emerged in scouting. Their most prominent spokesman was the scout leader of the RSFSR and the Far Eastern Republic Innokenty Zhukov (former secretary of the Russian Scout society), who called for the creation World Chivalry And Labor brotherhood of scouts based on work, play, love for each other and the whole world, calling for close cooperation between scouting and the Komsomol. In parallel, there was also a movement of “Yukism” (Yuk-scouts, that is, “young communists - scouts”), which directly tried to combine the principles of scouting with communist ideology. The idea of ​​creating the YK Scouts belongs to the Bolshevik functionary Vera Bonch-Bruevich. The Komsomol, however, accused the Yukovites of not conducting real communist education, and the communist idea serves them only as a formal cover for the former “bourgeois” scoutism.

As soon as it emerged, the Komsomol declared war on scoutism (including Yukism), seeing it as its rival. Already at the 1919 RKSM congress, a decision was made to disband scout troops.

Creation of a pioneer organization

At the same time, in communist circles there began to be a need to create their own, communist organization to work with children. The idea was formulated by N.K. Krupskaya, who on the 20th of November 1921 made a report “On Boy Scoutism” several times in different places (the report was soon published in a brochure entitled “RKSM and Boy Scoutism”), in which she proposed that the Komsomol take adopt scouting methods and create a children's organization, “scouting in form and communist in content.” The leaders of the Komsomol, who had an extremely negative attitude towards scouting, initially perceived these ideas with caution. However, after Krupskaya’s speech at the Bureau of the Central Committee of the RKSM (November 29) to discuss the issue “on the use of scouting for the education working youth and children" a special commission was created. A detailed report by I. Zhukov was presented to the commission. On December 10, 1921, based on the commission’s report, a positive decision was made by the Bureau, and the search for specific organizational forms. At the beginning of 1922, the idea was put forward of using scouting methods not among Komsomol members, but among children and creating a children's communist movement (CCM). I. Zhukov proposed the name “pioneers” (borrowed from scouting practice) for the new organization. Its symbols were slightly modified scout symbols: a red tie (instead of green; it was already used by the Yukovites), a white blouse (instead of green), the scout motto “Be prepared!” and the scout’s answer to it is “Always ready!” From scouting to pioneer organization play forms of educational work with children, the organization of children into groups, the institute of counselors, gatherings around the fire, elements of symbolism have been preserved (for example, the three lily petals of the scout badge in the pioneer badge replaced the three flames of the fire, the three ends of the pioneer tie that became red began to mean three generations: pioneers, Komsomol members and communists). The scout call “Be ready!” has also been preserved. with a change in its focus on the struggle for the liberation of workers and peasants around the world.

Throughout 1922, pioneer detachments appeared in a number of cities and villages. On December 3, the first pioneer detachments appeared in Petrograd. The very first of them was organized by Komsomol member Margot S.V. The first four detachments were created from the Russian detachment of young intelligence officers. This event took place in the club of the old and young guards (Teatralnaya Square, building No. 14).

In October, the 5th All-Russian Congress of the RKSM decided to unite all pioneer detachments into the children's communist organization “Young Pioneers named after Spartak”. On January 21, 1924, the day of Lenin’s death, by decision of the Central Committee of the RKSM, the organization was named after Lenin, and in March 1926 it was established official name- All-Union Pioneer Organization named after. V.I. Lenin (retained by the organization until the end of its existence).

Structure of the pioneer organization

Initially, pioneer organizations were created by local cells of the RKSM at enterprises, institutions and in villages. Pioneer organizations in schools, that is, regardless of place of residence, began to be created in the city (under the name of “outposts” and “bases”); they united the pioneers different squads and were used in the fight for " new school"(in fact - in establishing communist control over the school, equally in relation to students and teachers). In 1929, the restructuring of the organization began according to the school principle (class - detachment, school - squad). It assumed such proportions that the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks, in a special resolution dated April 21, 1932, condemned “attempts to eliminate pioneer movement by merging it with the school, as well as perversions promoting the transfer of the educational functions of the school to the pioneer movement." However, this resolution did not have any noticeable practical results.

Senior Pioneer Badge

For active work with pioneers

In his classic look The All-Union Pioneer Organization united republican, regional, regional, district, city, and district pioneer organizations in the USSR. Formally, the Regulations on the All-Union Pioneer Organization stated that the basis of the organization is the squad, which is created in schools, orphanages and boarding schools with at least 3 pioneers. In squads numbering more than 20 pioneers, pioneer detachments are created, uniting at least 3 pioneers. In orphanages and pioneer camps could be created groups of different ages. A detachment consisting of 15 or more pioneers is divided into units. In fact, as indicated, the pioneer detachments (divided in turn into units led by the unit members) united students of the same class, and the squads united students of the same school.

Senior Pioneers

Pioneer self-government

The highest body of a squad, detachment, unit is the pioneer gathering. The gathering of the detachment accepted schoolchildren into the pioneer organization, invited the squad council to recommend worthy pioneers to the ranks of the Komsomol, planned the work, assessed the activities of the detachment council, units, and each pioneer. The gathering of the squad was elected by the squad council, the gathering of the squad was elected by the squad council, the gathering of the squad was elected by the squad council. The councils of the squad and detachments elected the chairman of the council of the squad and detachment. In the All-Union, republican, regional, regional, district, city, district pioneer organizations, the form of self-government of pioneers was pioneer rallies, which were held once every 5 years (all-Union and republican) or once every 2-3 years (territorial, regional, district, city and regional). City (district) councils of the pioneer organization created pioneer headquarters from representatives of all pioneer squads of the city. The most active part of the pioneer organization, its most active elite, gathered at the city headquarters.

Procedure for admission to the pioneer organization

Soviet postcard for admission to the pioneers

The pioneer organization accepted schoolchildren aged 9 to 14 years. Formally, admission was carried out on a voluntary basis. Reception was carried out individually, by open voting at a meeting of the pioneer detachment or squad (if it was not divided into detachments) operating in secondary school and boarding school. Those who joined the Pioneer organization at the Pioneer line made the Solemn Promise of a Pioneer Soviet Union. A communist, Komsomol member or senior pioneer presented him with a red pioneer tie and a pioneer badge. As a rule, pioneers were accepted into a solemn atmosphere during communist holidays in memorable historical and revolutionary places, for example on April 22 near the monument to V.I. Lenin. Excellent and good students were admitted to November holidays, and everyone else on April 22.

Pioneer's Solemn Promise

“I, (last name, first name), joining the ranks of the All-Union Pioneer Organization named after Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, in the face of my comrades, solemnly promise: to passionately love and take care of my Motherland, to live as the great Lenin bequeathed, as he teaches Communist Party, as required by the Laws of the Pioneers of the Soviet Union."

Note. Until 1986 it was: “...to passionately love your Motherland, to live, study and fight, as the great Lenin bequeathed, as the Communist Party teaches, to always fulfill the laws of the pioneers of the Soviet Union.”

Previous editions

Promise of 1922

I promise with my word of honor that I will be loyal to the working class, I will help my fellow workers every day, I know the laws of the pioneers and I will obey them

Promise of 1923

I, a young pioneer of the USSR, in the face of my comrades, solemnly promise that

1) I will firmly stand for the cause of the working class in its struggle for the liberation of workers and peasants throughout the world.

2) I will honestly and steadily comply with the laws and customs of young pioneers.

Promise of 1924

I, a young pioneer of the USSR, in the face of my comrades, solemnly promise that I will firmly stand for the cause of the working class in its struggle for the liberation of workers and peasants of the whole world. I will honestly and steadily fulfill Ilyich’s behests, the laws and customs of the young pioneers.

Promise of 1928

I, a young pioneer of the USSR, in the face of my comrades, solemnly promise that: 1) I will firmly stand for the cause of the working class in its struggle for the liberation of the working people of the whole world. 2) I will honestly and steadily carry out the behests of Ilyich - Laws of UP

Pioneer Laws

Latest edition (1986)

Penultimate edition (1967)

• The pioneer is devoted to the Motherland, the party, and communism.
• A pioneer is preparing to become a Komsomol member.
• The pioneer looks up to the heroes of struggle and labor.
• The pioneer honors the memory of the fallen fighters and prepares to become a defender of the Motherland.
• The pioneer is persistent in learning, work and sports.
• A pioneer is an honest and faithful comrade, always boldly standing for the truth.
• A pioneer is a comrade and leader of the Octobrists.
• A pioneer is a friend to pioneers and the children of workers of all countries.

Texts of previous editions

1922

Pioneer camps

The vast majority of pioneers spent their school holidays in pioneer camps. In the USSR, there were up to 40 thousand summer and year-round pioneer camps, where about 10 million children vacationed annually. There was a kind of unspoken hierarchy between them. The most famous of them was the All-Union Pioneer Camp of the Komsomol Central Committee "Artek", which had international status. The second place in prestige was occupied by the All-Russian Pioneer Camp "Orlyonok" (Krasnodar Territory, RSFSR). This was followed by the republican recreation camps “Ocean” (Primorsky Territory, RSFSR), “Young Guard” (Odessa Region, Ukrainian SSR) and “Zubrenok” (Minsk Region, BSSR).

Pioneer motto

The declared goal of the pioneer organization: to educate young fighters for the cause of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. It is expressed in the motto of the All-Union Pioneer Organization named after V.I. Lenin. To the call: “Pioneer, be ready to fight for the cause of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union!” - the answer follows: “Always ready!”

Pioneer Anthem

The anthem of the pioneer organization is considered to be “March of Young Pioneers” - a Soviet pioneer song written in 1922 by two Komsomol members - pianist Sergei Kaidan-Deshkin and poet Alexander Zharov:

Rise up with fires, blue nights,
We are Pioneers - children of workers!
The era of bright years is approaching,

With a joyful step, with a cheerful song,
We stand for Komsomol,
The era of bright years is approaching,
The cry of the pioneers is always be prepared!
We raise the red banner
Children of workers - boldly follow us!
The era of bright years is approaching,
The cry of the pioneers is always be prepared!
Rise up with fires, blue nights,
We are Pioneers - children of workers!
The era of bright years is approaching,
The cry of the pioneers is always be prepared!

Pioneer symbols

Front pioneer uniform

Pioneer paraphernalia

The most important pioneer attributes were the squad banner, squad flags, bugle and drum, which accompanied all the solemn pioneer rituals. Each pioneer squad had a pioneer room where the corresponding attributes were stored and meetings of the squad council were held. In the pioneer room, as a rule, there was a ritual stand with pioneer attributes, a Lenin corner and a corner of international friendship. At school and in classes, pioneers published and hung handwritten squad and squad wall newspapers.

Pioneer uniform

Soviet pioneer uniform

Pioneer organization in the post-war years

After the end of the Great Patriotic War The pioneers were engaged: in the city - collecting waste paper and scrap metal, planting green spaces, in rural areas - raising small domestic animals (rabbits, birds). The best of the young workers were awarded by the Motherland. On December 4, 1935, by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, pioneer Mamlakat Nakhangova was awarded the Order of Lenin. An eleven-year-old Tajik girl exceeded the norm for an adult in picking cotton by seven times. The Order of the Badge of Honor was awarded to Ishan Kadyrov and Khavakhan Atakulova, young livestock breeders Alyosha Fadeev from Leningrad region, Barasbi Khamgokov from the Kabardian Autonomous Region, Kolya Kuzmin from the Kalinin Region, Vanya Chulkov from the Moscow Region, Mamed Hasanov from Dagestan, Vasya Voznyuk from Ukraine, Buza Shamzhanov from Kazakhstan, Eteri Gvintseladze - Tbilisi pioneer, excellent student. In the republics Central Asia pioneers grew cotton. Pioneers Tursunali Matkazinov and Natalie Chelebadze in 1949 were awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor and awarded the Gold Star medal and the Order of Lenin.

Since 1955, the names of the best pioneers began to be entered in the book of honor of the All-Union Pioneer Organization named after V.I. Lenin. In 1958, three stages of growth were introduced in the children's organization, at each of which the children were awarded a special badge. To move to a new level, the pioneer worked according to a pre-drafted individual plan. All pioneer work was combined into a two-year pioneer plan, which was focused on concrete assistance to adults in fulfilling the seven-year plan.

Since 1962, the pioneer badge has depicted Lenin’s profile, which symbolizes the state’s recognition of the merits of the pioneer organization. This is due to the fact that in 1962 the All-Union Pioneer Organization named after Lenin was awarded the Order of Lenin for its success in the socialist education of teenagers. In 1972, the pioneer organization was re-awarded the Order of Lenin.

By 1970, the All-Union Pioneer Organization united 23 million pioneers in more than 118 thousand pioneer squads.

Dissolution

In 1990, at the X All-Union rally in Artek, the All-Union Pioneer Organization named after Lenin was transformed into the International Union of Pioneer Organizations - the Federation of Children's Organizations. In practice, this is a union of independent children's organizations, without the structure and symbolism of the Pioneer movement. The ban in 1991 of the CPSU and the dissolution of the Komsomol with the collapse of the USSR undermined the power of the pioneer organization and led to the virtual liquidation of the majority of pioneer squads. At the same time, a small part of pioneer organizations still exist in Russia and in all countries of the Commonwealth independent states and the former Soviet republics not included in it, being of a symbolic nature.

In modern Russia

Criticism of pioneer methods

USSR postage stamp, “Pioneer Squad” - Standard bearer, honor guard, drummers

The main points of criticism of the pioneer organization are: its ideological nature and formalism. The leader of modern St. Petersburg scouts, Kirill Alekseev, considers the pioneer organization “a monster of formalism, indifference and bureaucracy.” According to the President of the Russian Union of Scouts, Igor Bogdanov, “in a pioneer organization, the main thing is to hold the pioneer gathering on time, the main thing is formalism, what adults want. But the children don’t want that, they want to play.” Bogdanov considers another mistake of the pioneers to be tied to school. In his opinion, for a child, school is a prison.

Today we invite you to consider interesting topic, directly related to the history of our country. Namely, the pioneer movement in the USSR. Of course, in a short article we are unlikely to be able to cover all aspects of this large-scale phenomenon. But we will try to give the modern young reader an idea of ​​the basic principles of the existence of a pioneer organization. What was the pioneer movement like? At what age were you accepted as a pioneer? What were they doing?

People aged “forty and older” know very well the answers to these questions - in what class they were accepted into pioneers, how pioneer training camps and meetings were held, what the peers of today’s schoolchildren did during extracurricular hours. And for representatives of the younger generation below - a small “educational education”.

During the Soviet era, everyone knew the All-Union Pioneer Organization, which bore the name of V.I. Lenin - it could not have been otherwise. This mass children's movement was one of the communist organizations that existed in the USSR. The pioneer organization was formed by the decision of the All-Russian Komsomol Conference in 1922 (May 19). Since then, this day has been celebrated as Pioneer Day.

Initially, the organization was named after Spartak. In 1924, she received the name of Lenin - after his death. The pioneers traced their origins to the scout movement, but a number of aspects significantly distinguished these formations. The pioneering organization had the character of universal state coverage with a clearly expressed goal - the ideological education of children as citizens devoted to the Communist Party. Organizationally, the pioneer movement was integral part structure of the Komsomol and was controlled centrally. “Pioneers” in countries of Western culture (in the USA and England) were called reconnaissance soldiers, pioneers who explored new lands.

A little history

The scout movement in Russia at the time of the 1917 revolution was quite developed and consisted of a network of children's organizations. The total number of scouts was about 50,000 people. During the Civil War, scouts assisted in searching for street children, formed children's militia units, and provided social assistance. The motives of scout ideology were based on the postulates of play, work and mutual assistance.

The Bolsheviks decided to unify the principles scout movement with communist ideology. Komsomol members, in turn, considered scoutism a bourgeois phenomenon, far from communist ideas. Already in 1919, the congress of the RKSM adopted a resolution to disband scout troops.

At the same time, the need to create our own communist organization for children grew. The idea was formulated by N.K. Krupskaya, who suggested that the Komsomol use scouting methods to create a new children's organization. Initially, this idea was received with extreme caution, but with the adoption of a positive decision in 1921, the search for suitable organizational forms began. The new movement was called "pioneers", which was also borrowed from scouting practice. At what age were you accepted as a pioneer in those years? Initially, it was decided to take the Scout movement as the basis for the Komsomol organization being created, but later it was decided to unite younger children in a similar format.

Other symbolism

Symbols of the new children's movement were a slightly modified version of the scout ones. Instead of a green tie, a red one appeared, and a white (rather than green) blouse was also approved. The scout motto “Be Prepared!” remained unchanged. and the answer is “Always ready!” We inherited from scouting the organization of children in the form of groups, gatherings around the fire, playful forms of working with students, and the institute of counselors.

During 1922, many pioneer detachments arose in a number of villages and cities. The age at which people were accepted into pioneers and other formal aspects in those years were not yet strictly regulated. At the congress of the RKSM, it was decided to unite the scattered pioneer detachments into a children's organization of a communist orientation. The movement received its last official name - the All-Union Pioneer Organization named after V.I. Lenin - in March 1926.

About the structure of the pioneer organization

Initially, such organizations were created by RKSM cells in villages, institutions and enterprises. In 1923, their formation ceased to depend on place of residence and moved to schools. They were called “bases” and “outposts”. In fact, communist control was established over the school. Since 1929, the pioneer organization began to rebuild, focusing on school principles. The detachments corresponded to classes, the squads corresponded to schools. The age at which people were accepted as pioneers became uniform in the USSR in those years.

The scale of the organization acquired such a scale that a couple of years later they were talking with condemnation about attempts to extinguish the pioneer movement by merging it with the school system. In addition, there has been a tendency to transfer educational functions from the school to the pioneer movement. The school determined in which class they were accepted as pioneers, established a system of rewards and punishments, etc. But the process nevertheless continued.

Being a centralized link in the communist system, the All-Union Pioneer Movement in the USSR united organizations different levels- republican, regional, regional, district, city, district. The formal basis for organizing a squad at a school or children's educational institution was the presence of three pioneers. If the squad consisted of more than 20 people, it was divided into pioneer detachments.

The groups existing at pioneer camps or orphanages were of different ages. If the detachment consisted of 15 or more people, it was divided into links, at the head of each of which a leader was appointed. In fact, each detachment united students of a particular class, and the squad united students of a particular school.

About the senior pioneers

Changes affected the structure of the organization in 1982 with the introduction of the concept of "senior pioneers". In what class were these guys accepted as pioneers? The senior pioneers usually included students in the seventh and eighth grades. They were a kind of intermediate link between pioneers and Komsomol members and wore badges that combined elements of both. Theoretically, senior pioneers were instructed to continue wearing a red tie, but many tried their best to switch to new uniform clothes.

Who led the organization

The direct leadership of the All-Union Pioneer Organization was entrusted to the Komsomol - Komsomol members. Those, in turn, were controlled by the bodies of the CPSU. Any council of a pioneer organization worked under the leadership of the Komsomol committee. Reports from the councils of the pioneer organization were heard at conferences and congresses of the Komsomol. The leadership of the pioneer organization at all levels was also approved by plenums of Komsomol committees.

Methodological and organizational work with pioneer personnel was organized on the basis of numerous Houses and Palaces of Pioneers, as well as other non-school institutions. Personnel for work in these institutions, in the person of senior counselors, were “supplied” from Komsomol committees, which were involved in their selection, education and advanced training. The leadership of circles, sections, clubs and candidates for the positions of squad leaders were selected in a centralized manner.

If we talk about the so-called pioneer self-government, then the highest body of the collective unit (detachment, unit, squad) was the pioneer gathering. At the gathering of the detachment, schoolchildren were accepted as pioneers, and the worthy ones were recommended to the ranks of the Komsomol. They assessed the activities of the detachment and planned the upcoming work as a whole (as well as the contribution of each pioneer to the common cause) at the council of the squad. The composition of the detachment was selected by the detachment assembly, the link member was selected by the unit assembly. Each of the councils, in turn, elected its own chairman.

In pioneer organizations at a higher level (All-Union, Republican, regional, territorial, etc.), a pioneer rally, held once every few years, served as a form of self-government. The most active and active elite of the pioneer organization gathered in city headquarters, created under the councils of the pioneer organization at the district or city level.

In what class were you accepted as a pioneer?

Answer to this question Any representative of the older generation will give you one. The age when they were accepted into pioneers ranged from 9 to 14 years. A nine- to ten-year-old child was most often a third grader. Here is the answer to the question: “In what class were they previously accepted as pioneers?”

Formally, this action was carried out on a voluntary basis. It was carried out individually in the form of an open vote, held at a meeting of the squad or pioneer detachment. The atmosphere of the event when they were accepted into pioneers was always presented in the USSR in a very pompous manner.

A schoolchild who joined the organization read out a solemn promise to his senior comrades (Komsomol members, communists or other pioneers) on the line. He was given and tied a red tie. Most often, the procedure for admission to pioneers was carried out in a solemn atmosphere and coincided with communist holidays.

Often it was held in some memorable historical and revolutionary place. For example, there was a widespread practice of recruiting pioneers near the Lenin monument on April 22. First of all, the admission of excellent and good students was carried out.

A little ideology

Anyone who joined the ranks of this children's organization was required to know the laws of the pioneers by heart. These postulates taught children to be like communists, to prepare for joining the ranks of the Komsomol, to study well and actively work for the good of the Motherland, to prepare to defend it from enemies, to fight for peace and build communism in everything globe. The pioneer was instructed to value the honor of the organization, be a reliable comrade, respect elders and take care of children, and act in accordance with the concepts of duty and honor.

The rights of a pioneer were proclaimed to be the opportunity to participate in the election of pioneer self-government bodies, discuss the work of the organization at meetings and in the press, criticize shortcomings and make proposals at any level, and ask for recommendations for the procedure for joining the Komsomol.

About pioneer camps

For the most part, pioneers spent their school holidays in pioneer camps. Their number in the USSR was enormous - about 40,000 summer and year-round summer and year-round pioneer camps. About 10 million children were sent there on vacation every year. The most famous of them is the All-Union Pioneer Camp international status"Artek". The second most prestigious place was occupied by the All-Russian camp "Orlyonok", located in the Krasnodar Territory.

The pioneer organization, of course, had its own motto and anthem, ideologically “tied” to the declared goal - educating young fighters for the ideas of the Communist Party. The “March of Young Pioneers,” written back in 1922, was performed as the organization’s anthem. Other attributes of pioneer symbols were the red triangular tie known to any Soviet person and the pioneer badge of the approved form. Other elements of the organization's attributes are the squad banner, squad flags, drums and bugles. None of the solemn pioneer rituals could take place without them.

Each squad had its own pioneer room, in which all these attributes were to be stored. The squad council also met there. Most often, such a room was decorated with a counter of a ritual nature and a Lenin corner. In each class, the pioneers were instructed to publish and hang handwritten detachment and squad wall newspapers.

What did the pioneer uniform look like?

On weekdays they wore regular school uniform along with pioneer symbols in the form of a badge and a red tie. For special occasions, a dress uniform was provided, consisting of red caps in combination with the same ties and badges, uniform white shirts with gilded buttons and emblems on the sleeves (for both boys and girls), blue trousers for boys or the same colors of girls' skirts. In the banner group dress uniform complemented by a red ribbon worn over the shoulder, as well as white gloves.

In the Soviet Union, pioneer magazines and newspapers were published, in addition, a lot of other children's literature. Representatives of the older generation perfectly remember such publications as “Pionerskaya Pravda” (the main newspaper of the organization), magazines “Koster”, “Pioneer”, etc. Pioneer broadcasts were broadcast on radio and television every day, even in the cinema they played documentary magazines before the start of the film .

About the life of children in those years when they were accepted into pioneers

Many wonderful children's films created in Soviet period, were dedicated to children of pioneer age and showed the life of schoolchildren in pioneer camps and detachments. Undoubtedly, these films, despite their ideological “impregnation,” contributed to truly high-quality education of children and adolescents in the USSR. In addition, filmed by true masters of their craft, they were genuine works of cinematic art and it was no coincidence that they were loved by millions of viewers - both children and adults.

The Palaces of Pioneers that existed in each city were repurposed after the dissolution of the Pioneer organization in DDT (Children's Art House) in 1991. The children who visited them in those years were busy collecting scrap metal and waste paper, took part in the military sports game "Zarnitsa", as well as in competitions of football and hockey yard teams organized at the all-Union level. There was even a simplified version of the volleyball game - pioneerball ( team game with a soccer ball).

Voluntary youth fire brigades were organized. The pioneers were involved in all kinds of patrols monitoring the protection of forest and water resources, or as young assistant traffic inspectors on the roads. In addition, many children were involved in sports sections and clubs of various types.

Today, the history of the USSR is beginning to attract more and more interest. Some are trying to find negative aspects in it, others are positive. In this article we talk about the history of the pioneer organization, which in our time causes heated discussions. Especially when questions arise about what to do with children or why current generation grew up so irresponsible. There will be no talk about how useful or harmful this organization was; you must draw these conclusions for yourself independently.

The origins of the pioneer movement

Surprisingly, the roots of this seemingly purely communist movement go back to scouting. Few people know that by 1917, many children’s scout associations had been formed in Russia. In total, this organization had about 50 thousand participants. On the eve of the Civil War, scouts provided various social assistance, organized children's police units, and organized searches for street children.

When Soviet power came to power, the scout movement began to disintegrate in directions depending on the territory where it was located. For example, associations of the Forest Brothers arose in Kazan and Petrograd, and Moscow society was built on the principles of Baden-Powell. Also, a movement of “Yukism” arose, i.e. “young communists”. They tried to combine communist ideology with the principles of scouting. The founder of the Yukist movement was party functionary Vera Bonch-Bruevich. But in 1919, at the congress of the RKSM, they decided to disband all scout troops.

Krupskaya's proposal

From this moment begins the history of the pioneer organization in the form in which it is remembered. So, after the ban on scout troops, there was an acute shortage of organizations working with children. The idea was first formulated by N.K. Krupskaya, who gave a report in November 1921 called “On Boy Scoutism.” This speech was soon published in the form of a small brochure, which spoke about what was needed in as soon as possible to create a children's organization that would be “scouting in form and communist in content.”

At first, Komsomol leaders, who had a negative perception of scouting, were wary of this proposal. After all, by joining the ranks of such an organization, children, in fact, preserved the tradition established under tsarism, which could not but cause concern. However, everything changed when, after Krupskaya’s next speech, a special commission was formed. At it, I. Zhukov presented his report, which was positively assessed by members of the Bureau. Immediately after this, a discussion began on the organizational side of the matter.

At the very beginning of 1922, a proposal was put forward for consideration by the commission to include children in scout organizations, and not Komsomol members, as originally proposed. At the same time, I. Zhukov suggested calling new organization"pioneer". He borrowed the name itself from Seton-Thompson. In addition, the pioneer organization took a lot from scouting. For example, game uniform training, organization into groups, managing children with the help of counselors, elements of symbolism, gatherings around the fire. Even the motto “Be prepared!” is not original.

First groups

February 2, 1922 was made next step on the path of development of the history of the pioneer organization. It was on this day in regional centers letters were sent out from the Central Committee bureau about the creation of a children's group under the Komsomol cell. A special bureau had already been created, which included Valery Zorin, a former scoutmaster. It was he who organized the first children's group in one of the boarding schools in Zamoskvorechye. The detachment was called “Young Scouts,” but it did not last long. And soon Zorin took up organizing children at the Kauchuk plant.

In parallel with Zorin, Mikhail Stremyakov, another scoutmaster, began working in the same direction. He organized groups at the factory apprenticeship school at the former Mashistov printing house. Usually this children's group is called the first pioneer detachment. In April, “Drum”, the first pioneer magazine, and then “Pionerskaya Pravda” began to be published there.

On March 2, a bureau of children's groups was created, whose task was to develop a charter. It was considered and adopted at the II All-Russian Komsomol Conference on May 19. Pioneer Organization Day - this is what this date will later be called. The conference not only agreed on the charter, but also decided to begin the widespread dissemination of pioneer organizations. After this, a special bureau was created to work with children, which included seven people. Among them were I. Zhukov, as well as Krupskaya, in the role of observer from the party, and Lunacharsky as an observer from the government.

Ubiquitous distribution and choice of name

From this moment on, pioneer detachments began to actively form throughout the country. At the same time, pioneer symbols are being spread and created. It was in 1922 that the text of one of the most famous pioneer songs was composed - “Raise the fires, blue nights.” In Petrograd, the first children's group appeared only on December 3. It was organized by Komsomol member Sergei Margo. The first four pioneer detachments were created from Russian groups young scouts.

In October, at the next congress of the RKSM, a decision was made to unite all pioneer detachments into single organization, which was given the name “Young Pioneers named after Spartak”. On the day of Lenin's death, the organization was named after the leader. In 1926, a special decree was issued, which indicated the new name of the children's association, which remained until last days his existence. It sounded like “All-Union Pioneer Organization named after. V. I. Lenin."

Pioneers during WWII

The year of the formation of the pioneer organization became the year of the beginning of a new era in the lives of many children. After 1922, being a pioneer became as honorable as being a Komsomol member. Yes, and later it became almost impossible to become a Komsomol member without having been a pioneer.

Gradually the pioneer organization became inseparable from social life countries. It is not surprising that during the terrible disaster that befell the entire Soviet Union, she did not stand aside.

From the moment the start of the war was announced, the pioneers tried in everything to keep up with the adults and help fight the enemy not only in the rear, but also at the front. Many children joined the underground and partisan detachments. The pioneers became cabin boys on warships, scouts, helped hide the wounded from enemy soldiers, and brought provisions to partisans hiding in the forests. Children were rarely taken seriously, so it was easier for them to sneak through or find out secret information.

However, the combat mission did not always end well for the children. Thus, four children were posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union - Zina, Portnova, Lenya Golikov, Valya Kotikov and Marat Kazei.

After the end of the war, all the names of the dead children were included in the official list of those who received the title of pioneer heroes.

Post-war stage

History of the pioneer organization in the after war time as difficult as the history of the entire country. It was necessary to restore what had been destroyed, and here there was great importance even children's help. City children collected scrap metal and waste paper and planted green spaces. Rural pioneer detachments had a more difficult task - they raised small domestic animals, such as birds and rabbits. The best of the little workers were awarded various orders. Children also took part in the harvest and went to work at the factory. In general, wherever there were not enough hands, pioneers were hired. Huge number healthy men died in the war, so there was no way to refuse any help. Moreover, children, realizing the need, worked equally with adults, trying not to yield to them in anything.

Now this seems inhumane, but at that time the pioneers themselves wanted to help. Nobody forced the children to work. Many took on the hard work themselves.

Later years

In 1953, the pioneers of the USSR were almost renamed. After Stalin's death, many suggested adding to the name of the organization. And if earlier the All-Union Pioneer Organization was only named after Lenin, now proposals were made to add the recently deceased leader here. However, after the exposure of Stalin's personality cult, this issue was completely settled, and the organization was never renamed.

Since 1955, a tradition has emerged of including the names of outstanding children in a special book of honor. In 1958 she underwent small change organization structure. From this year, three levels of development were introduced, at each of which the child received a special badge. To reach the next stage, the pioneer had to follow a special individual program. At the same time, all the pioneer work was combined into a two-year plan, which was aimed at helping the elders fulfill their seven-year plan.

In 1962, the image was changed - Lenin's profile was added to it. This was a sign that the state recognized the enormous merits of the pioneer organization. The event was caused by the presentation of the Order of Lenin to the All-Union Pioneer Organization for success in the socialist education of adolescents. Ten years later, in 1972, she was again awarded the same high award.

By this time, more than 23 million children throughout the Soviet Union were Pioneers.

Cease to exist

The pioneer organization underwent its first changes during the period of perestroika and the beginning of liberal reforms. At this time, I.N. Nikitin, chairman of the Central Union of Pioneer Organizations, proposed changes to pioneer structure with the aim of democratizing it. And already on October 1, 1990, at the 10th All-Union Pioneer Rally, which took place in Artek, the children's organization was renamed SPO-FDO (Union of Pioneer Organizations - Federation of Children's Organizations). E. E. Chepurnykh was appointed chairman of the new institution. However, he could not independently make changes and reorganize SPO-FDO. The fact is that he still remained a member of the Komsomol Central Committee. Therefore, no fundamental changes were made.

After the ban of the CPSU, proclaimed in September 1991, an extraordinary congress of the Komsomol was held, at which it was announced that the historical role of the Komsomol had been exhausted, the Komsomol organization was dissolved, and the All-Union Pioneer Organization ceased to exist. From this day on, May 19, the day of the pioneer organization, was no longer considered a holiday. Fundamental changes occurred in the country, which led to the collapse of many government institutions.

After the final collapse of the USSR, the property of the pioneer organization was confiscated. All the Palaces of Pioneers in the region were repurposed and became “Houses of Children and Youth Creativity”. Most of the pioneer camps ended up in the hands of private owners, who turned them into boarding houses and camp sites. Only a small part of them retained the status of a children's health camp.

What did the pioneers do?

The activities of the pioneer organization have always been aimed at helping the Komsomol and adults. But these were not always peaceful actions. In the early 30s, they decided to involve the pioneers in the fight against opponents Soviet power. This was positioned as the civic duty of every person loyal to the Soviets, including children. Pavlik Morozov was chosen as a model for all pioneers. According to the official version, he reported to the authorities against his own father, who helped the kulaks, and then opposed him in court. For this, Pavlik was killed by his father.

After this tense time, the fight against anti-Sovietism took on an ideological and propaganda character.

However, the pioneers were engaged not only in ideological education. It is also their responsibility to different time included:

• Collection of scrap metal and waste paper.
• Participation in the formation and song review.
• Participation in
• Participation in all-Union sports competitions “Leather Ball”, “Golden Puck”.
• Carrying out the sports and military “Zarnitsa”.
• Team ball games “Pioneerball” and “Sniper”.
• Joined the ranks of young assistant inspectors traffic, as well as in youth voluntary fire brigades.
• They organized the “Green Patrol” (engaged in the protection of forests), the “Blue Patrol” (engaged in the protection of water resources).
• Classes in sports sections and clubs.
• Raising service dogs and horses.

Admission procedure

The pioneers accepted children from 9 to 14 years old. Officially, this happened on a voluntary basis. Reception was carried out individually, by voting at the general council of the pioneer detachment. Those who joined the organization took the pioneer oath at the line, then they tied a red tie on him and presented him with a pioneer badge. Usually the ceremony took place in places of historical and revolutionary memory during communist holidays. For example, at the monuments to Lenin on April 22.

The solemn promise, or oath of the pioneer, had a regulated text, which was learned by heart by those entering. During the existence of the organization, amendments to this oath were made only a few times and were always agreed upon with the party. While taking the oath, the pioneer said his name and swore, joining the ranks of the pioneer organization, “in front of his comrades” to love his homeland, live according to Lenin’s behests and observe the Laws of the pioneer organization.

Charter

The charter of the pioneer organization, also known as the pioneer law, had to be observed unquestioningly. It was not particularly long and could easily be learned by heart. According to the charter, the pioneer had to:

• Be devoted to communism, the party and the Motherland.
• Prepare to join the Komsomol.
• Look up to the heroes of labor and struggle.
• Honor the fallen soldiers and be ready to become the defender of the Motherland yourself.
• To be the best in work, sports and studies.
• Be a loyal and honest comrade who always defends the truth.
• To be a counselor and comrade of the October students.

Hymn

The anthem of the pioneer organization was the “March of Young Pioneers.” This Soviet song was written specifically for the pioneers in 1922. The authors of the march were poet and pianist Sergei Kaidan-Deshkin. Some lines from this song are familiar even to those who have never joined the pioneers. For example, “Raise your fires, blue nights. We are pioneers - children of workers!”

In May 1922, after Krupskaya’s speech at a meeting of the Central Committee, Zharov was given the task: to come up with a song in two weeks that could become the anthem of a new children’s organization. Zharov turned to D. Furmanov for advice, who advised him to take some existing composition as a basis. At the same time in " Bolshoi Theater“The opera “Faust” was on. At the performance, Zharov heard the “March of the Soldiers,” which became the basis of the revolutionary composition.

Symbolism

Like any ideological organization, this one also had its own attributes. The symbols of the pioneer organization were intended to inspire respect, as did those who were members of it. These included:

• Pioneer tie- personified part of the pioneer banner and was a mandatory part of the uniform. The three ends of the tie denoted a strong connection between 3 generations, i.e. communists, then Komsomol members, and then pioneers. This item was tied with a special knot. Representatives of the squad had a yellow mark on their red tie. In pre-war times, the ends of the tie were often secured with a special clip. It was made in the form of a fire, the five logs of which represented the five continents, and the three flames represented the Third International. The disappearance of the clamp was due, firstly, to the dissolution of the Comintern, and secondly, to the fact that one of the heads of the Central Committee saw in it a similarity with Nazi symbols.
• Icon- was also a mandatory symbol of pioneer organizations at school. The shape and type of the badge were described in the special Regulations on children's organizations. Throughout the history of the institution, they have changed several times.
• Pioneer Banner- was a red canvas with the image of a pioneer sign and motto. Not only the pioneer detachments had banners, but also school classes.
• Squad flag- personified the honor and cohesion of the guys, served to indicate belonging to some kind of pioneer group. With this banner, children went to parades, parades, training camps, excursions, hikes and even work activities. He carried the flag cloth, who walked behind the counselor in front of the drummer and bugler.
• Horn- without this attribute it is impossible to imagine pioneer life. This musical instrument served to provide various signals. The position of bugler was very honorable; the most responsible and trusted guys were appointed to it. He walked immediately behind the flag.
• Drum- the second most important musical instrument of the pioneers. It was necessary during processions, campaigns and parades. The drummer performed the roll and march, and also helped perform the basic drill techniques.

Pioneer organization awards

Pioneers could receive the following insignia:

• “Million to the Motherland” - awarded for success in collecting scrap metal.
• “Young Pathfinder” - awarded to those who could navigate the terrain.
• In addition, there were many medals of various award badges for winning various sporting events.

Pioneers of the USSR often received insignia and awards common to all Soviet people, for example, the Order of the Red Banner. Unfortunately, during wartime, many such medals were awarded to the guys posthumously.

History of the All-Union Pioneer Organization

At the end of 1921, the Central Committee of the RKSM created a special commission to develop a program and principles for the activities of a new children's organization. Nadezhda Konstantinovna Krupskaya took direct part in the work of the commission. One of the ideologists of scouting I.N. Zhukov, who sought to embody the positive aspects of the scouting movement in the children's organization, proposed the motto “Be prepared!”

May 19, 1922- The 2nd All-Russian Komsomol Conference decided to create pioneer detachments everywhere.

October 1922- The 5th All-Russian Congress of the RKSM decided to unite all pioneer detachments organized in different cities Russia, to the children's communist organization "Young Pioneers named after Spartak".

January 21, 1924- By the decision of the Komsomol Central Committee, the pioneer organization was named after V.I. Lenin.

March 1926- The pioneer organization became known as the All-Union Pioneer Organization named after. V.I.Lenin.

The first pioneer detachments, uniting the children of workers and peasants, worked at Komsomol cells of factories, factories, and institutions; participated in community cleanups, helped in the fight against child homelessness and in eliminating illiteracy.

1923- Outposts and bases began to be created in schools - associations of pioneers of a given school, regardless of their place of residence. There were up to 75 thousand pioneers in the pioneer organization.

Late 1930s- The restructuring of the All-Union Pioneer Organization according to the so-called school principle has been completed: class - detachment, school - pioneer squad. Military and defense work began in pioneer groups; circles for young shooters, orderlies, and signalmen were created, and military sports games were held.

1941-1945- A massive Timur movement has unfolded throughout the country, the emergence of which is associated with the name of the writer Arkady Gaidar and his story “Timur and His Team.”

Young pioneers helped the families of front-line soldiers, collected medicinal herbs, scrap metal, funds for tank columns, were on duty in hospitals, worked in the harvest. For the courage and heroism shown in the fight against the Nazi invaders, pioneers Lenya Golikov, Marat Kazei, Valya Kotik, Zina Portnova were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, thousands of pioneers were awarded orders and medals.

1962- All-Union Pioneer Organization for great job on communist education of children and in connection with the 40th anniversary she was awarded the Order of Lenin.

1970- In the World Pioneer Organization there were over 118 thousand squads, uniting 23 million pioneers. Over the entire existence of the All-Union Pioneer Organization, more than 210 million people have been in its ranks.

After “perestroika,” the All-Union Pioneer Organization abandoned its political overtones, adopting a new motto: “For the Motherland, goodness and justice.”

Mid 1980s- Attempts were made to reform the pioneer organization, but a children's and youth organization was not created on the same scale.

October 1990- The successor of the pioneer organization - "Union of Pioneer Organizations - Federation of Children's Unions" - an international voluntary independent union uniting children's public organizations, associations and others public associations, educated with the participation of children and in their interests.

The Union of Pioneer Organizations was registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation in 1992 as a non-state public organization, independent from political parties and movements.

Symbols and rituals in the pioneer organization

Pioneer tie was a symbol of belonging to the pioneer organization, a piece of the banner of the pioneer organization. The three ends of the tie symbolized the unbreakable connection of three generations: communists, Komsomol members, and pioneers. The tie was tied with a special knot. The chairman of the squad had a red tie with a yellow border. In the pre-war years, one of the attributes pioneer uniform there was a special clip that held the ends of the pioneer tie together. This attribute was desirable, but not required. The symbolism of the clamp is interesting. Five logs of fire mean five continents. Three flames - Comintern (3rd International). The disappearance of clamps from use in the post-war years has several reasons. First of all, this is the dissolution of the Comintern itself, in the flames of which the logs of the continents burn (accordingly, the symbolism lost its meaning). This was also facilitated by the mass psychosis that engulfed the broad masses of pioneers in the late thirties. It suddenly seemed to someone that in the flames of a fire, upon careful examination, one could find everything - from a Nazi swastika to Trotsky’s profile.

Pioneer badge was described in the Regulations on children's communist groups named after Spartak (the old name of the pioneers) dated August 28, 1923: the red waving flag depicts a hammer and sickle, a burning fire, and the motto “Be prepared!”
On December 14, 1925, a second version of the badge appeared (Lenin’s mausoleum was added to it). In 1927, an image of Lenin appeared on the badge. In 1934, the badge was changed again - the motto changed to "Always ready!" In September 1942, the badge took the form of a five-pointed star, with a fire in the center and the motto “Always ready!” In 1944, instead of a fire, a hammer and sickle appeared in the center of the star, and three flames began to be depicted above the star. In 1962, the last example of the badge was adopted: in the center of the five-pointed star is Lenin’s profile, below it is the motto “Always Ready!”, and above the star there are three tongues of flame. There were pioneer squad badges - red with the image of a pioneer badge.

Firework- greeting the pioneers. A hand raised just above his head demonstrated that the pioneer put public interests above personal interests.

The pioneer gave a salute while in and out of formation: during the performance of the “Internationale”, the Anthem of the Soviet Union and the anthems of the union republics, when responding to the pioneer motto, at the command “Align to the banner!”, “Align to the flag!”, at the Mausoleum, at the monuments to V.I. Lenin and monuments and obelisks to fallen heroes. When submitting a report, when changing the guard at the banner, when declaring gratitude before the formation, awarding, when receiving the Red Banner, squad flag or pioneer attributes, welcoming the military and pioneer formation. At the parade, line, passing by the stands, the pioneers carried out the command “Attention!” with alignment to the right or left. During the greeting of the leaders of the pioneer organization, the honorary pioneers, the salute was given only by the senior counselor leading the column, the chairman of the squad council, squad leaders, chairmen of squad councils, and assistants at the banner.

Pioneer Banner- a red banner on which the pioneer badge and the motto “Be ready to fight for the cause of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union!” were depicted. Two Orders of Lenin were pinned to the main banner of the All-Union Pioneer Organization. Even the pioneer detachments had banners (on household level this is a school class) - red with a pioneer badge, squad number and honorary name of the squad.

Squad flag was a symbol of honor and cohesion of the pioneers, a sign of their belonging to a specific pioneer group. With the detachment flag, the pioneers went out to training camps, parades, holidays, hikes, excursions, and work activities. On the march, the flag leader walked directly behind the leader and the chairman of the detachment council, ahead of the bugler and drummer. At a Sunday or tourist stop, the flag was installed or fixed in a visible place.

Flag had to be able to carry out the following commands: “Be equal!”, “At attention!”, “At ease!”, “March!” The flag was stored in the pioneer room next to the squad banner. Horns and drums were usually kept here.
The names pioneer bugle and drum appeared almost simultaneously with the word “pioneer”. The history of these musical instruments is as great as the history of mankind. But there's more to it than just musical instruments. The sounds of the bugle and drum are a call to the pioneers, to their unity, to their activities aimed at protecting the Motherland, serving goodness, and seeking and establishing justice.

Horn called the pioneers with the signals: “Listen, everyone,” “Gathering,” “To the banner,” “March,” “To the line,” “Alarm,” and some others. The detachment's bugler - this was a responsible pioneer assignment; he had to be able to perform drill techniques with a bugle and give signals: “Listen everyone,” “Gathering,” “To the banner,” “March,” “To the line,” “Alarm,” and some others. On the pioneer line, the place of the bugler was on the right flank of the formation next to the drummer, in the column of the detachment - behind the flag.

Drum accompanied the formation during campaigns, processions, and parades. The drummer of the detachment (he, like the bugler, was elected by the assembly or council of the detachment) had to be able to perform drill techniques, perform the “March”, “Fraction”.

All these symbols and rituals were borrowed by the organizers from scouting, as well as the division into groups, the institute of counselors, gatherings around the fire, elements of symbolism (for example, in the pioneer badge, three flames of a fire replaced the three petals of a scout badge, 3 ends of a tie began to mean 3 generations - pioneers, Komsomol members and communists, etc.).

Oath was pronounced by everyone joining the ranks of the organization.

It sounded like this: “I, I.F., joining the ranks of the All-Union Pioneer Organization, in the face of my comrades, solemnly swear: to passionately love my Motherland; live, study and fight as the great Lenin bequeathed, as the Communist Party teaches; always comply with the laws of the pioneers of the Soviet Union."
"Be ready!"
"Always ready!"

Law of the Pioneers of the Soviet Union All pioneers had to know it by heart.
The pioneer is devoted to the Motherland, the party, and communism.
A pioneer is preparing to become a Komsomol member.
The pioneer looks up to the heroes of struggle and labor.
The pioneer honors the memory of the fallen fighters and prepares to become a defender of the Fatherland.
A pioneer is the best in studies, work and sports.
A pioneer is an honest and faithful comrade, always boldly standing for the truth.
Pioneer - comrade and leader of the October.
A pioneer is a friend to pioneers and the children of workers of all countries.

MOSCOW, May 19— RIA Novosti, Anna Mikhailova. A red tie, a solemn oath in front of his comrades and the cry “Always ready!” — On May 19, 1922, the All-Union Pioneer Organization appeared in the USSR. Young Leninists were accepted into the ranks in the third grade, when the children were 9-10 years old. In 1991, this tradition was interrupted, the organization was dissolved, and Pioneer Day ceased to be a public holiday. On the anniversary of the 95th anniversary of the organization's founding, the last generation of Soviet pioneers remembers what this day meant to them.

Ilya Kazakov, joined the pioneers in 1980

Joining the Pioneers was associated with resentment, because I joined first, and we were told that due to some snag, the first place they would accept as Pioneers was at the Kalinin Museum, and the next - at the Lenin Museum. This caused me some kind of childish shock: I did not understand how Kalinin could turn out to be older than Lenin. I don’t remember the details of the event well, it was very solemn, I had to learn the pioneer oath. Excitement, preparation and some feeling of a Soviet holiday - like a demonstration. It was a very clear evolutionary chain Soviet man- an October child, a pioneer, a Komsomol member, a communist - and each link had to be conquered at a certain age. People who were accepted in third place were considered inferior in the eyes of the children themselves. No matter what, you had to get there first or second in order to feel complete Soviet child. There was no particular ideology in this - it was nothing more than a competitive test, which was very stimulating.

Ekaterina Nekrasova, joined the pioneers in 1989

Not only poor students, but also excellent students were afraid of not getting into the pioneers, because they could screw up on the most insignificant things, like a library book not returned on time. Naturally, we all memorized the pioneer oath: I don’t remember a single line now, but then we knew it by heart. We were accepted as pioneers at the Musical Theater named after Natalya Sats. Everyone was wearing white shirts, the girls were in blue skirts, the boys were in blue trousers. They brought with them carefully ironed ties, everyone said: “I stood there ironing this in the morning,” but it is clear that the ironing was done by grandmothers who got up at four in the morning for this purpose. The older kids—fifth or sixth graders—would put these ties on us. I was especially proud that my teacher put a tie on me: that is, it was a very high honor that the teacher herself was introducing me to the sacred title of a pioneer. There were rumors that you needed to iron your tie every morning, but after a month they turned into just rags - crumpled and chewed. Although the most responsible excellent students actually had them ironed, but not me. It was a separate story to learn how to tie a tie to make a beautiful knot. This was also a special procedure.

Sergey, joined the pioneers in 1989

When they were accepted into pioneers, the main emotions were joy and pride. At that time, not being a pioneer meant being a kind of outcast, so everyone aspired to become a pioneer, although I did not have any specific expectations or thoughts about why. The dissolution of the organization went unnoticed for me; my most vivid memory is that the children stopped wearing ties. There was no particular disappointment, because the tie caused a lot of problems - they weren’t even allowed to go to school if they forgot to put it on.

Ekaterina Nigmatulina, was supposed to join the pioneers in 1991

The year I was supposed to join the pioneers, they were just disbanded. I really wanted to become a pioneer, and for me it was the biggest tragedy that everything was cancelled. I was mentally completely ready to join. Firstly, I had a girlfriend in my yard who was a couple of years older than me. She walked around with this tie all the time, and I thought: “Well, when will I grow up and also wear a tie?” The second motivation is, of course, Soviet films like “Guest from the Future”, “Adventures of Electronics”, where everyone was friendly and wonderful. And third: I was probably always an obedient excellent student, and it seemed to me that this was very prestigious.