Abstract:
The perception of the past and the formation of memory
significantly depend on the political conjuncture, a specific time
and situation imposes its demands on the past, because it is
known that history is one of the necessary factors for the legitimation
of current public or state demands. It is also important
that "the memory of the past determines the present identity~.
Memory formation is the result of a deliberate process.
Memory has a social nature, it is changeable and dynamic
and provides a means of interpretation and representation in
the process of purposeful formation of cultural identity. It is interesting
how different political systems in Georgia use the holiday
as a place of memory and therefore a source of identity:
April 14, April 9 and May 26.
The holiday is an important ritual. It is a symbolic opportunity
to create and maintain an identity. During the celebration of
the holiday, the emotional bond of the community takes place.
The holiday as a date emphasizes the heritage, stimulates
new ideas, and determines the future actions of the society.
Three dates: April 14, April 9 and May 26, are associated with Georgian
statehood and identity. Nevertheless, April 14 – Mother
Language Day is not a state holiday, and the purpose of April 9
and May 26 is disputed. It is interesting how and what role the
important dates of the recent history of Georgia played, or failed to play: April 14, April 9 and May 26. In general, a national
holiday is an archetype of an institutional holiday, which is constantly
charged with emotion and a solemn mood. The holiday
is a symbolic area of memory that influences the formation of
identity, consolidates the nation/society and plays an important
role in the formation and development of state thinking.
