Now they give you goosebumps: what strange traditions existed in the USSR

The USSR was not only a political and economic system but also a cultural phenomenon that permeated all aspects of its citizens' lives. There were many traditions and customs that may seem strange or even creepy from a modern perspective.

These traditions were shaped by ideology, state propaganda, and the socialist way of life. Read more about them in the OBOZ.UA article.

Photos from the funeral

It is still unknown where exactly this tradition came from, but in the USSR it was customary to capture not only pleasant and positive moments but also quite sad ones. Perhaps its roots go back to the 19th century, when deceased people were put in a casket as if they were alive and photographed, because not everyone could afford such a luxury during their lifetime.

In the USSR, people, including children, would stand around the coffin of a deceased relative and take a photo together. They also made sure to take a close-up of the deceased's face and the grave itself in flowers. These photos looked quite eerie.

Funeral bands

Another unusual tradition for modern people associated with funerals was the accompaniment of the deceased by an orchestra. Depressing thematic songs would be played as the coffin was marched down the street, creating a specific atmosphere. On such days, even children did not go outside for a walk because they were scared.

Laying flowers at a wedding

It would seem that a wedding is a happy day when all attention should be focused on the newlyweds, but in the USSR, the newlyweds were sure to visit places with various monuments and lay flowers at the pedestals of the leaders and the eternal flame. They did this in any weather.

Friendly court

The so-called friendly court is a very wild custom. During it, all sorts of brawlers, hooligans, and unfaithful men were summoned to a public meeting and publicly humiliated and shamed. The "defendants" had to humbly listen to this and justify themselves, otherwise, the society decided that they had not repented enough and could write a complaint to their superiors, which could even lead to the men being fired.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.