Specific aspects of using and transmitting cultural heritage in ideology and practices of new religious and ecological movements (evidence of field ethnographic research in Omsk region)

This article discussesfield ethnographic research of a new sacred center near the village of Okunevo and a number of ecovillages in Omsk Region. These objects were created for ideological reasons by former urban residents who left urban environment in an attempt to implement their spiritual and ecological ideals in rural areas. Production of cultural heritage - Oriental for the neo-Hinduist groups and "Slavic-Aryan” for the communities ofthe Rodnovery (followers of Slavic native faith) - is an essential aspect in functioning of these communities. The ideas of reviving ancient pre-Christian Vedic Aryan traditions play an important role in their ideology and practices. In the process of transmitting cultural heritage, Siberia appears as the image ofthe Aryan ancestral homeland of mankind and space for many sacred places ofpower. The search for cultural origins is reflected in creation of religious buildings and artifacts, archaisized elements of clothing and accessories, as well as everyday and festive rituals. Local motifs, incorporated in general Slavic-Aryan mythological context, are notable. They include ideas about the great ancient city of Asgard on the Iriy in the place of the modern city of Omsk, and exotic mythological interpretation of the archaeological heritage of Omsk Region and of the Om and Tara hydronyms. The Neo-Hinduist rituals are represented by the Shiva’s (Babaji) feasts and followers. The Solstice Day, Perun’s Day, and Tara’s Birthday are of particular importance for the Rodnovery tradition. Annual folklore festivals and feasts are celebrated in ecovillages on main astronomical dates of solstices and equinoxes. These festive events include round dances and collective games. Fire processions and rituals are practiced in some ecovillages.