The Cult of Personality
Since my glorious 50th birthday on the 19th December 1929, my cult of personality has become a prominent part of Soviet culture. With the help of the Soviet press, I am seen as an all-powerful leader and my name and image has become omnipresent in the Soviet Union.
I am portrayed as a caring father figure, with the Soviet population as my 'children'. They bring me gifts and flowers, they cheer loudly whenever they see me and they celebrate whenever I visit them. Since the beginning of the year 1935, the phrase, "Thank You Dear Comrade Stalin for a Happy Childhood!" is inscribed above doorways of nurseries, orphanages, and schools; children also chant this slogan at festivals.
Their devotion for me is also shown through literature, poetry, music, paintings and film. My portrait hangs on the wall of every single household and building.
However, my cult has regulations:
- anyone showing less than complete devotion or expressing a different opinion will be punished by exile or death.
- no outside influence: anything that is not to my standard (e.g. books, music) will be banned.
- no one is allowed to say anything negative against me, especially the press. No news of any tragedies is to be leaked to the public, only positive news about me can be communicated.
I am portrayed as a caring father figure, with the Soviet population as my 'children'. They bring me gifts and flowers, they cheer loudly whenever they see me and they celebrate whenever I visit them. Since the beginning of the year 1935, the phrase, "Thank You Dear Comrade Stalin for a Happy Childhood!" is inscribed above doorways of nurseries, orphanages, and schools; children also chant this slogan at festivals.
Their devotion for me is also shown through literature, poetry, music, paintings and film. My portrait hangs on the wall of every single household and building.
However, my cult has regulations:
- anyone showing less than complete devotion or expressing a different opinion will be punished by exile or death.
- no outside influence: anything that is not to my standard (e.g. books, music) will be banned.
- no one is allowed to say anything negative against me, especially the press. No news of any tragedies is to be leaked to the public, only positive news about me can be communicated.
The wonderful celebrations for my 50th birthday
My version of the Soviet anthem
United forever in friendship and labour,
Our mighty republics will ever endure.
The great Soviet Union will live through the ages.
The dream of a people their fortress secure.
CHORUS:
Long live our Soviet Motherland, built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our People, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.
Through days dark and stormy where Great Lenin led us
Our eyes saw the bright sun of freedom above
and Stalin our Leader with faith in the People,
Inspired us to build up the land that we love.
CHORUS:
Long live our Soviet Motherland, built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our People, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.
We fought for the future, destroyed the invader,
and brought to our homeland the Laurels of Fame.
Our glory will live in the memory of nations
and all generations will honour her name.
CHORUS:
Long live our Soviet Motherland, built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our People, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.
Our mighty republics will ever endure.
The great Soviet Union will live through the ages.
The dream of a people their fortress secure.
CHORUS:
Long live our Soviet Motherland, built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our People, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.
Through days dark and stormy where Great Lenin led us
Our eyes saw the bright sun of freedom above
and Stalin our Leader with faith in the People,
Inspired us to build up the land that we love.
CHORUS:
Long live our Soviet Motherland, built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our People, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.
We fought for the future, destroyed the invader,
and brought to our homeland the Laurels of Fame.
Our glory will live in the memory of nations
and all generations will honour her name.
CHORUS:
Long live our Soviet Motherland, built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our People, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.
A fellow comrade, A.O. Avdienko, wrote this delightful poem for me
O great Stalin, O leader of the peoples,
Thou who broughtest man to birth.
Thou who fructifies the earth,
Thou who restorest to centuries,
Thou who makest bloom the spring,
Thou who makest vibrate the musical chords...
Thou, splendour of my spring, O thou,
Sun reflected by millions of hearts.
Thou who broughtest man to birth.
Thou who fructifies the earth,
Thou who restorest to centuries,
Thou who makest bloom the spring,
Thou who makest vibrate the musical chords...
Thou, splendour of my spring, O thou,
Sun reflected by millions of hearts.