Language/Armenian/Culture/Holidays-and-Celebrations
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Introduction
Welcome to the lesson on Armenian holidays and celebrations. In this lesson, you will learn about the most important Armenian holidays, their customs, and traditions. Holidays are a great way to get a glimpse into a country's culture, and Armenia is no exception. Armenians celebrate a variety of holidays and festivals throughout the year, and each celebration is unique and significant.
What you will learn
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Understand the significance of different holidays and festivals celebrated in Armenia
- Learn about the customs, traditions, and rituals associated with each holiday.
- Discover how these festivals are celebrated and their cultural significance.
So, let's get started!
Major Armenian Holidays and Celebrations
Armenians celebrate many national and historic holidays, but the following are some of the most significant.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in Armenia. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and people decorate their houses, prepare special dishes, and exchange gifts. The holiday falls on January 1st, and Armenians visit their friends and family to wish them a happy new year. They also enjoy traditional dishes such as khorovats, which is grilled meat, and basturma, which is spicy dry-cured beef.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated on January 6th in Armenia, and it is an important religious holiday. Armenians celebrate Christmas with great enthusiasm and religious devotion. The day is spent attending church services, and people prepare traditional dishes such as dolma, which is a savory dish made of grape leaves stuffed with meat, rice, and herbs.
Easter
Easter, or "Zatik" in Armenian, is another significant religious festival celebrated in Armenia. It is typically celebrated in April, and people spend the day attending church services and spending time with their friends and family. Traditional dishes such as khashlama, which is a savory stew made with lamb or beef, are also prepared and enjoyed.
Vardavar
Vardavar is a festival that is unique to Armenia and is celebrated in July. The festival is a celebration of water and is often called "the water festival." People douse each other with water, and children participate in games involving water. The festival has its roots in pre-Christian traditions, and it is believed that it was originally a celebration of the goddess Astghik, the goddess of water and fertility.
Independence Day
Armenia's Independence Day is celebrated on September 21st, and it is a day to celebrate the country's independence from the Soviet Union. The day is marked by parades, concerts, and other festivities.
Other Holidays
Armenians also celebrate other holidays such as:
- International Women's Day (March 8th)
- International Labor Day (May 1st)
- Victory and Peace Day (May 9th)
- Republic Day (May 28th)
- Army Day (January 28th)
Armenian Holiday Customs and Traditions
Each Armenian holiday has its own customs and traditions, and here are some of the most common.
Decorations
Armenians love to decorate their homes during the holiday season. Houses are adorned with ornaments, lights, and artificial Christmas trees. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to light fireworks and write wishes on paper and burn them in a fireplace or stove.
Special Food
Food is an essential aspect of Armenian holidays, and each festival has its own unique dishes. Khorovats, dolma, khashlama, and basturma are some of the most common traditional dishes prepared during these festivals. During the water festival of Vardavar, it is customary to prepare and consume Armenian national dishes such as khorovats, spas, and basturma.
Gifts
Like many other cultures, Armenians exchange gifts during the holiday season. It is customary to exchange gifts on New Year's and Christmas Eve. It is also common to visit friends and family members and exchange traditional sweets such as gata, which is a sweet bread, and Armenian delight.
Religious Traditions
Armenians are predominantly Christian, and religious traditions are an integral part of Armenian holidays. People visit churches and monasteries on Christmas and Easter, and light candles to commemorate special occasions. It is customary to fast for 40 days during the Lenten period leading up to Easter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Armenian holidays and celebrations are an essential part of Armenian culture. Holidays offer a great insight into the traditions and customs of a country. As a beginner learner of the Armenian language, it is essential to learn about these holidays, which are an integral part of the language and culture.
In the next lesson, we will explore the rich tradition of Armenian music and dance. Stay tuned!
Well done on mastering this lesson! Don't miss these related pages to expand your knowledge: Armenian Holidays and Festivals & Armenian Ceramics and Pottery.
Other Lessons
- Chess and Chess Players
- Armenian Carpet Weaving
- Armenian Folktales and Literature
- Wrestling and Weightlifting
- Armenian Alphabet
- Armenian Cinema
- Armenian Music and Arts
- Armenian Actors and Celebrities
- Armenian Holidays and Festivals
- Armenian Churches and Monasteries
Sources
- Armenian Holidays and Traditions [2020 - Wild Armenia]
- Armenian Holiday Traditions - The Armenian Mirror-Spectator
- A Year in 16 Armenian Holidays
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