Debunking Russian Propaganda: Azov's Autumn Equinox Tradition Explained

Russian propaganda hates the Azov regiment and constantly tries to denigrate this glorious unit, which is recognized as a terrorist organization in Russia. "The Azovs are labeled as "Nazis", "fascists", and "Satanists". This time, in another fake news story about Azov, Kremlin propaganda played the religious card, claiming that Azov conducted a "satanic rite" on the autumnal equinox on September 22. Read more about why this is fake in the article.

The fake news is supported by photos that propagandists stole from the Azov unit's information resources, including the channel's telegrams. The photos, which were taken at different locations, show large bonfires burning, with soldiers of the unit standing around them with flags and other symbols of the brigade.

Of course, in reality, nothing "medieval" or forbidden happened. And all the information about the event organized by the Azov brigade is publicly available and does not contain any exclusive "satanic" rituals.

The Azov telegram channel describes the event as follows:

"Every year, on the day of the autumnal equinox, according to the Azov tradition, we celebrate the Day of the Dead, remembering all the fallen Azov fighters who gave their lives for the freedom of their homeland. The Azov Brigade is currently performing a combat mission, so this year's commemorative events took place in different locations.

The names of our comrades who died during the 9 years of war are forever inscribed in the history of Ukraine, and their feat is in the memory of every Azov soldier. This memory gives us inspiration to continue the fight, even when it seems that we have no more strength.

We do not see them with us, but we know that they see us. We cannot call their call signs and hear their response, but we feel their presence in every battle. We cannot go into battle side by side, but we are sure that they accompany us everywhere.

We are bound to them by a common goal and a common image. Even death cannot break this bond."

This is how soldiers honor their fallen comrades. This is a tradition - nothing more, nothing less. Given that many of the traditions in the Azov unit are associated with ancient Slavic traditions, the day of the autumnal equinox was chosen for the commemoration.

By the way, in the pre-Christian era, the Slavs imbued the autumnal equinox with mystical meaning. People called the holiday Tausen, Ovsen, and Radogoshch, depending on the region. The Slavs celebrated the autumnal equinox for almost a week, a period called Osenyny. Osenyny began with a bratshchyna, a gathering of older men from each family. They brought treats and discussed plans for the coming year.

Almost all religions of the world have days to honor the dead and the deceased. Let us recall the Christian "coffins" - a week in May when the memory of those who have already passed away and the other world is honored.

That is, the propagandists came up with a fake, virtually out of nothing. In principle, as they almost always do.

The material was prepared by the BezBrykhni project as part of the Network of Projects to Counter Disinformation initiative.

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