The 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, officially kicked off Friday with a massive ceremony celebrating the host country’s storied history.

From Peter the Great to "Swan Lake," many of Russia’s finest figures and achievements were given a chance in the spotlight.

But the Russians also paid tribute to the country’s reigning political doctrine of the 20th century: communism.

Here are some of the larger-than-life images audience members saw:

Image source: Twitter user @Bachscore

Image source: Twitter user @olyphil

Image source: Twitter user @kesgardner

Image source: Twitter user @Bachscore

Image source: Twitter user @cbrennansports

In case you need a refresher, it's a representation of the old Soviet Union hammer and sickle:

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

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