The commanders carried out the battle from the 4 fronts. They put the glorious end to the military operation named “Wedding in the Mountains”. The fighters entered Shushi on May 9. Shushi had historically been the capital of Artsakh. The word Shusha derives from the word “Shosh” which in the Artsakh dialect means “the highest sprout of the tree”. Thus people named the city ”Shushi” because of its high geographical position.

Background

Victory & Peace Day in Armenia

Armenians celebrate Victory and Peace Day on the 9th of May every year. It is a fixed day to celebrate the liberation of Shusha of May 1945 and the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The battle of the Liberation of Shusha began on the evening of May 8, 1992. It was a turning point in the Artsakh war. The battle continued until the next day. On May 9 Armenian forces liberated Shusha and drove out the defending Azeris. Armenian military leaders were in Nagorno-Karabakh’s capital. They had been thinking about the plan for the liberation of Shushi after Azeri bombarding of Stepanakert.

During the Nagorno-Karabakh War, it was the first notable military victory by Armenian forces. The Armenian leaders named the plan “Wedding in the Mountains”. It is important to realize that Shusha had a good location for seizing Artsakh. The loss of Shusha led to a numerous of military victories by Armenian forces in the course of the conflict. Unfortunately, the opposite side intentionally bombarded at ordinary citizens.

 Armenians use ”the Capture of Shusha” as the Liberation of Shushi while Azerbaijanis use it as the Occupation of Shusha.

Nagorno-Karabakh several years had been in the borders of the Azeri SSR. Soon the government decided to separate it from Azerbaijan and join it with Armenia. After this decision, the disagreement began and turned into a massive ethnic enmity between Armenians and Azeri people living in the Soviet Union.

The Beginning

After the Soviet Union falling in 1991, these two countries began taking control of Karabakh with large battles in the winter of 1992. After that, the region had declared its independence. Up to the present time, Azeris hadn’t recognized its self-determination.

As a matter of facts, both sides used advanced weaponry of tanks, armored fighting vehicles, fighter jets and helicopter gunships. When the conflict began, it affected the population and soon many Armenians living in Azerbaijan flee to Armenia and the Azerbaijanis living in Armenia went back to Azerbaijan. Armenians seized the town and captured the only airport in Khojaly in February 1992. By losing Khojaly, Azeri leaders focused the rest of their fires upon Stepanakert.

Fighters: Liberation of Shushi

Shortly afterward, on 26 January, the Azeri people placed their forces in Shusha and bombarded nearby Armenian village named Karintak. The village is located on the way from Shusha to Stepanakert. So they wanted to capture it. The leader of this operation was their defense minister Tajedin Mekhtiev. In this way, Tajedin wanted to create a basis for the future attack on Stepanakert.

The plan failed as the villagers and the Armenian fighters reacted and hit back. Armenians set an ambush for them and this resulted in the death of up to seventy Azeri soldiers. After this failure, defense minister left Shusha. For Armenians; it was one of their early and most decisive victories.

The Course of Action

Shusha is in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh in the South Caucasus. The town is four miles to the south of Stepanakert. From a geographical point, Shusha was the convenient area for Azerbaijani to bombard Stepanakert. The principal kind of artillery used in firing was the Soviet-made BM-21 GRAD multiple rocket launcher. The usage of it began on January 10, 1992. This artillery was capable to fire 40 rockets in one salvo.

Liberation of Shushi

Thia launcher had the resemblance with the World War II-era Katyusha. It did not have a guided rocket system and so it was difficult to know the location of where it would hit. In fact, the weapons used here caused huge injury to buildings. The damage comprised the residential houses, schools, the factory, and hospital.

Shusha was the main fire point from where the opposite side attacked Stepanakert. The city had 70,000 populations. The battle forced nearly 20,000 of Stepanakert’s residents to drive away and the remainders lived in basement floors.

GHAZANCHETSOTS CATHEDRAL

In early April, 157 rockets had arrived on the city in a day. By early 1992 the firing strengthened. During one week the city was fired with over 1,000 shells. On February, Russia sent ten servicemen to maintain peace between the Armenians and Azeri people. Unfortunately, because of the fires, they were injured and one of them was killed in a firing by artillery. Because of the shelling, more than 2,000 civilians were killed and thousands more injured in 1992. Moreover, the infrastructure of the city was completely damaged. In an article published in April 1992, it was noted that only one building escaped damage in Stepanakert. According to the facts, Azeri people also launched air raids.

The Battle

The plan of the Armenian army was under the patronage of Colonel-General Gurgen Dalibaltayan. He was guided by Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan. As a matter of facts, all of the factors were in favor of the Azeri Army. Obviously, the advantage referred to the quantity and the quality of equipment used in the battle. Must be remembered that Azeri Army had many advantages. Because of its geographical position Azeri Army could easily capture the area. Hence, a direct attack by Armenian forces was not the right option.

Armenian Fighters

In fact, according to military conventions and practices, the operation is successful if the attacking party outnumbers the defenders by at least 3 – 4 times. Irrespective of these facts Armenians made the plan still not having enough number of people and power at the time. Armenian Army planned to launch several diversionary attacks to draw the opposite side.  Arkady “Komandos” Ter-Tadevosyan guided all of the attacks.

Order of Battle

The Armenians finalized the plan in March – April 1992. The leaders signed it on May 4, 1992. The plan included various steps; the soldiers should defeat the enemy from Stepanakert side at three Shushi sides. After that, they should then to eliminate the enemy and release Shushi.

Before the offensive, Ter-Tadevosyan’s forces launched an artillery barrage from several directions to mitigate the town’s defenses. The attack was to start on May 4, but because of the lack of the weapons and weather conditions, it launched on May 8.

The Offensive and Victory

On May 8, Ter-Tadevosyan led his forces to attack Shusha from different sides. The team was divided into 5 parts, four of which would attack from different directions. These teams were led by Arkady Karapetyan, Valery Chitchyan, Samvel Babayan and Seyran Ohanyan. The fifth one was the support team. They should help if any of the groups would need quick amplification.  Yura Ovanisyan controlled this team.

Operation Wedding in the Mountains

Meanwhile, the Azeri commander was Elbrus Orujev. He led a group of several hundred men and tanks. Orujev’s men fought with Chechen volunteers led by Shamil Basayev. By mid-day, the fighting turned into a full-scale engagement. An Armenian T-72 tank entered to Shusha and met Azeri people on the northern side of the town.

Soon Azeri people began firing on the tank. They hit the Armenian tank, directed by Gagik Avsharyan, and broke it down. Armenian tank was too old and ineffective against the other tank.

Thus, two of the tank’s team members were dead and only Avsharyan survived. In the evening of May 8, Armenian fighters eliminated three of the GRAD launchers. By May 9 the Armenian forces were in control of the town. Azeris had turned Ghazanchetsots Cathedral into storage for the GRAD weapons. The attack was too powerful and Orujev ordered his army to abandon the citadel. After the capture of the town, many people came to the city for plundering.

Political Fallout

After the offensive, Armenian forces began an attack in the region of Lachin and hence opened up a five-mile corridor. The attack prompted two attacks by Azeri forces. Azeri forces did attacks but their attempts had failed. From the Armenian Martuni front, Armenian forces could keep the territory by having numerous losses.

On the day of the Armenian victory, Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents were present in Tehran, Iran to sign a cease-fire agreement. Mamedov used the news of the Armenian offensive to charge Armenia for failing to honor the cease-fire. However, Armenian President told that he was unable to control what the Armenians were planning in Karabakh.

Armenian Fighters

The loss of town forced Azeri people to demonstrate in Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku. They charged the new president for failing to capture this territory. After the battle, Armenians repaired Avsharyan’s T-72 tank. Nowadays it stands as a monument in Shusha.

Presently, May 9 is now celebrated in Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as “The Day of the NKR’s Defence Army” and “The Day of Liberation of Shushi”. The government awarded medals to those Armenians who took part in the battle. The city developed since the war ended in 1994. In fact, Turkish army supplied Azerbaijan with arms and military equipment. Turkey was engaged in the promotion of Azerbaijani conflict resolution efforts.

Results of Shushi Liberation

Due to the excellent fulfillment, up to the present time, Shushi operation ( Wedding in the Mountains) become the subject of admiration of military experts. The liberation of Shushi was very important for all Armenians. The victory showed the Armenian people unity and power.

In conclusion, the people who died during the battles for Shushi Liberation comprises of 57 fighters from Armenia and 250-300 people of Azeri, 700 Armenians were injured and 13 of them were missed in action.

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Christmas is definitely a domestic holiday since people celebrate it in a warm atmosphere together with their families and loved ones.

During the period of the holiday, everyone is happy and eager to congratulate each other. The following is how one congratulates another during Christmas:

“Christ is Born and Revealed Great Tidings to you and us”!

Christmas is a holiday which grants everyone with love, kindness and hopes that one’s dreams will come true. Our souls are trembling from cherished feelings. Everyone gets filled with strong belief and a very happy mood.

The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas together with another holiday called Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany means the revelation that Jesus was the son of the God. On Epiphany, some Churches, like the Armenian Church, also celebrate the Jesus’ Baptism, which is when Jesus started his adult ministry.

December 25 versus January 6

Now you may have a question as to why Armenians do not celebrate the holiday on December 25th, like other countries do.

Julian to Gregorian Date Change

It is obvious that the exact date of Christ’s birth has not been historically verified. There are no records in the Gospels as well.

However, historically Christian churches started to celebrate the birth of Christ on January 6th until the 4th century. The actual celebrations, according to the ancient tradition of the church, was, in fact, a culmination of events which were related to God’s Incarnation.

This did not own the name “Christmas” but was called Theophany which means “God’s revelation”. Universally, Christian people celebrated it on January 6th, together with the remembrance of Jesus’ Baptism.

In order to prevent pagan traditions 336, The Roman Church officially proclaimed that the birthday of Jesus Christ was on December 25. Later,  the day of the birth of Christ in nearly the entire east became December 25, and January 6 remained as the Baptism Day.

Only the Armenian Apostolic Church remained faithful to the ancient traditions and gospels. On January 6, the Armenian Church unanimously celebrates the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Christ. It is noteworthy that the holiday begins on the evening of January 5, as the church day is changed from 17:00 pm after the evening service.

Even though today Christmas is, in fact, the celebration of Jesus’ birthday, it wasn’t until later that the Nativity was linked with the January 6th celebrations of the Theophany.

Are there 2 dates or 4?

There are really only 2 dates for the observance of Jesus’ birth. As you already know, the dates are December 25th and January 6th. There, however, are 2 other dates that may confuse many people.

Those dates are January 7th and 18th and they are confusing because of the use of 2 calendars, the Gregorian and the Julian. Most of the world uses the Gregorian calendar, which was named after Pope Gregory of Rome. However, some Orthodox Christians still maintain their liturgical calendars according to the ancient Julian calendar.

Consequently, the January 7th date actually is the same as December 25th on the “old” Julian Calendar. And obviously, January 19th is the same as January 6th on the Gregorian calendar. In addition, those  people who observe January 7th which corresponds with December 25th on the Julian calendar are called “old calendarists.”

Despite the differences coming with the calendar usages, all these churches observe the Epiphany or, in other words, the Baptism of Jesus 12 days following the Nativity.

What is Armenian Christmas Like?

Armenian Christmas doesn’t differ much from other countries. During Christmas, Armenians usually greet each other as follows:

“Christos dzenav yev haydnetsav! (Christ is born and revealed!)
“Orhneal eh dzenuntn u haydnuteunn Christosi! (Blessed be Christ’s birth and revelation!)

Armenians combine Christmas and New Year’s Day traditions. This is because of the Soviet influence on the country.

According to one legend, a grandmother or “babushka” in Russian, used to bring gifts on Christmas only to those kids who behaved well. However, according to the story, she refused to travel with the Magi to search for baby Jesus.

She later regretted, started gathering trinkets and went ahead to look for the Magi. However, unable to find, she decided to deliver her trinkets to children in that area. Although during the Soviet era the communist government was discouraging religious stories. The government authorized a tradition of Grandfather Frost bringing gifts during New Year’s Eve. In modern times, though, Father Christmas brings the gifts on New Year’s Eve.

According to the traditions, Santa Claus comes on New Year’s Eve (December 31st). It is because of Christmas Day being a religious holiday in Armenia. People also believed that the doors of other “worlds” would be open on December 31.

They also believed they could predict the future, even with the help of pastries. If it was very puffy, then a good year was to come.

Armenian Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is particularly very rich in traditions. Preparations begin weeks before. Families clean their houses very well, to make it crystal clear.

From December 30 to January 5, a week before the birth of Jesus starts the lent day. During that day, people eat only vegetarian food. And the New Year’s Eve begins on the evening of January 5 in the church after the evening liturgy.

The light symbolizes the Divine Light, the blessing of the church, which people take to their homes after the liturgy in the form of a candle.

On the morning of January 6, the Church holds a Saint Liturgy, followed by Water Blessing, symbolizing the baptism of Christ. The magic water then is given to people in order to cure illnesses and bless them.

The Armenian Christmas Eve Candle

In the evening, people take candles lit in the church with them. It symbolizes the divine light, the blessing of the church. The light symbolizes the light of the Bethlehem star, which led the Magi to the child Jesus.

Armenian families also gather for the Christmas Eve dinner which usually consists of rice, fish, wheat soup. There are also dried fruits and nuts for dessert and many other tasty dishes. Children take fruits, nuts, and other candies to their older relatives as a present.

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The inhabitants of Armenia is celebrating Victory and Peace Day on the 9th of May. Not to mention that this day has special importance for Armenians. At that day Armenians are celebrating not only the victory in the Great Patriotic War over Nazi Germany in 1945 but also the victory in the liberation of Shushi, a fortress in Nagorno-Karabakh in 1992. The Victory Day is traditionally celebrated with military parades and solemn ceremonies at monuments, memorials and also cemeteries. These ceremonies aim at honoring those who suffered and died during the war. However, special honor is paid to the veterans of the war who are still alive.

The Great Patriotic War

The Great Patriotic War (1941-1945)

At this day all Soviet Union is celebrating the victory over the Nazi Germany. World War II(or Second World War) started with the German occupation of Poland in September 1939. It lasted from 1939 to 1945, although related conflicts began earlier. In addition, the most widespread war in the history was The Great Patriotic War. This War, in fact, involved more than 100 million people from over 30 countries. Armenians also participated in this war as they were part of the Soviet Red Army. On May 7, General Alfred Jodi, Chief of Staff of the German Armed Forces High Command, signed the unconditional surrender of the German forces to the Allies. This news spread on May 8. The end of the war was considered to be on May 9.

Armenia is proud of four Marshals and one Admiral- Ivan Baghramian, Armenak Khanferiants, Hovhannes Ter-Isahakian and Sergei Aganov.

More than 60 Armenian generals were in command of large military groups of the Red Army. 70,000 Armenian soldiers, officers and also generals were awarded orders and medals for courage. In spite of that about 600,000 Armenians participated in the great patriotic war and nearly half of them died.

Armenians on this day remember many of their ancestors that died during World War II on the Eastern Front. Hundreds of veterans in their medals and uniform march to the monument of the Unknown Soldier in Victory Park. Here they pay their respects and laying flowers at the eternal flame. Students, schoolchildren, and government also laid flowers in Victory Park.In spite of their age, they shared their war-time memories with those who gathered in the park.

Shushi

The Nagorno-Karabakh War was a territorial conflict that took place from 1988 to 1992. The War was between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

During the war, Shushi has become the main military point of Azerbaijan, from where Stepanakert(the capital of Artsakh) and surrounding regions were bombed. So the citizens of Stepanakert and also nearby villages had to be hidden in the basements of buildings for several months without electricity and heating.

Armenian talented military specialists planned, developed and managed the Action Shushi’s Liberation. “Wedding in the Mountains” is the name of this action.

Arkadi Ter-Tadevosyan, Samvel Babayan, Seyran Ohanyan, Gurgen Dalibaltayan and also Jirair Sefilian were the commanders and leaders of that War from Armenia.

After six years of intense fighting, both sides were ready for a ceasefire. On May 5 all parties agreed to cease hostilities. So they vowed to observe a ceasefire that would go into effect at 12:01 AM on 12 May. The agreement was signed by the respective defense ministers of the three principle warring parties (Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic).

Our victorious achievements, manifestations of self-devotion of yesterday’s and today’s heroes, also their living examples drive us to new victories. The liberation of Shushi was a turning point which showed what stands for “the Armenian who learned the lesson”. So in that war, the Armenian people proved that they are ready with weapon their right to live freely and peacefully.

For 24 years, each person saying “May is a month of victories”. So the Armenian Nation will always celebrate May 9 as a double holiday: the day of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Liberation of Shushi.

Victory Park

The Victory Park or also “Akhtanak” Park dedicated to the victory of the USSR in the Second World War. Before the start of the Great Patriotic War the inhabitants of Armenian opened the park, but got the name “Victory Park” after completion that war. It is also one of the attractions of the capital – “Mother Armenia”.

“Mother Armenia” is a sculpture of a woman with a sword in hands and shield at her feet personifying the image of the Native land. Her most visual rendering is a monumental statue in Victory Park overlooking the capital city of Yerevan, Armenia. So the Mother Armenia statue symbolizes peace through strength. It can also remind viewers of some of the prominent female figures in the Armenian history, such as Soseh Mother and others, who took up arms to help their husbands in their clashes with Turkish troops and Kurdish irregulars. Additionally monument rises to a height of nearly 44 meters. At the feet of the statue stiffened tanks, formidable defenders.

Inside the monument, there is also the military museum of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia. Near the monument stands the tomb of “unknown soldier”. This monument dedicated to those who died in the struggle against fascism. The museum collects a variety of exhibits devoted to the Second World War. Here you can also see objects that tell about the life of civilians in these difficult times.

Sayings about Victory Day

Gohar Ghumushyan, an organizer, said:”We want the entire Armenian nation to celebrate this Victory Day with united efforts to immortalize all the heroes as well whose pictures will now be raised.”

Rafael Hunanyan said: “Marches of the kind are common in most former Soviet republics (Commonwealth of Independent States), remembering and glorifying their heroes. But in spite of that our parade is different, because apart from participants of the Patriotic War, we have here also a picture of the Artsakh, and April war heroes.” 

Serzh Sargsyan, president of Armenian Republic, said: ” On May 9 of 1992, we were once again in the trenches of justice and freedom fighting against national discrimination and genocide… So today we bow to the memory of all the brave fighters who paid for peace by their own lives. Long live the peace – the mother of all blessings of the world! Glory to our heroes!”

Bako Sahakian said: “The Artsakh Liberation War has become one of the greatest victories of the Armenian people.”

“Armenians were excellent soldiers and our nation gave birth to famous marshals, who played a great role in the victory in the Great Patriotic War,” Rosalia Abgaryan, the World War II veteran and also a deserved teacher in Armenia, told journalists.

“It was a horrible war… There are episodes that you don’t even want to remember. There were defeats, there also were retreats, but what helped our soldiers survive was their faith and certainly their homeland,” said Rosalia Abgaryan. 

Films dedicated to the Victory Day

1. The Liberation of Shushi  (Dedicated to the liberation of Shushi
2. Shusha 1973  (Also dedicated to the liberation of Shushi)
3. They fought for their country ( Dedicated to the Great Patriotic War)
4. Ballad of a Soldier ( Also dedicated to the Great Patriotic War)

Songs dedicated to the Liberation of Shushi

This song dedicated to the commander of Liberation Shushi- Arkadi Ter-Tadevosyan.

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Vardavar in Armenia

If you are a foreigner and you are planning to visit Armenia in summer then be ready for the situation when you walk along the street and a group of children or teenagers run to you and pour pails of water over you. This is the festival of  Vardavar.

Yes, it may sound weird if you don’t know the meaning of this tradition.

So, where does it come from? Why do Armenians call it Vardavar and how they celebrate? All the answers are below.

Goddess Astghik

Vardavar’s history dates back to the pagan times. Armenians believed in many gods before adopting Christianity. Astghik was the goddess of water, beauty, love, and fertility. The celebrations of the religious observance of Astghik people named “Vartavar”. In Armenian vart (vard) means “rose” and var means “rise”. Astghik was pouring roses over the people spreading the love.

Though Armenians adopted Christianity they kept the tradition associating it with Jesus Christ. They celebrate it now as a holiday devoted to the event of Jesus Christ’s transfiguration when he appeared to his disciples on the Mount Tabor.

Noah

Some specialists relate the Vardavar to the Flood and Noah’s descent from the Ark. According to the tradition, when Noah finds his refuge on Mount Ararat during the Flood, he orders his sons to pour water over each other for the memory of the Flood.

In ancient times people were gathering the wheat-ears in the fields and took them to the church for a blessing to keep the fields away from damages.

The most important traditions of Vardavar was the ceremony of making doves fly. They were flying in the sky and admiring people.

After Adopting Christianity

As you have already known another remarkable tradition was pouring water over each other which is preserved till our times.

So, after adopting Christianity Armenians celebrate Vardavar 14 weeks after Easter. On the day people decorate their houses with branches or bright roses. They present each other with flowers and garlands. People are in the habit of celebrating this holiday in the countryside near the rivers, lakes or waterfalls, or just nearer park. They play different games.

When the day comes (even few days before the celebration) all the people, especially children, and teenagers come out of their houses and start pouring cold water over each other or people at outside.

Wherever you go in Armenia you won’t be able to avoid of being wet. It’s believed that water of Vardavar is sanctified. So most of the people want to get watered. But some others can even get angry at children and teenagers. However, no one can escape of water because that is the “symbol” of Vardavar.

Vardavar in Christianity

Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates as Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. By the way, only Armenian Church calls the celebration the Feast of Transfiguration. And the real story is, that before all of his torturings Jesus showed to disciples his honor, so that, when he was crossed, they wouldn’t weaken.

The Fest of Transfiguration our ancestors called Vardavar. Christians relate the celebration to Hovhannes Mkrtich who christened Jesus Christ with water.

How do Armenians Celebrate It Nowadays?

As you already know Armenians love this festival and they celebrate in the best way. One day before Vardavar you should be careful so that people don’t water you suddenly. Children hide and when buses come they pour water and run away. But this is not all, people pour water even from balconies. When you listen about this it’s quite funny, but if you are the person on the bus or in street, moreover you are going to an important meeting you’ll get angry. Anyways if you find yourself in such situation just put off your anger and remember the long history of Vardavar.

But instead of avoiding of water I advise you to celebrate it in a great way. Here are some places you can go and enjoy your Vardavar.

Garni

Garni pagan temple is the original place of celebrating Vardavar as the festival comes from pagan times. People come from all over the world and, of course, from Armenia to take part in this festival. During celebration their regional exhibitions near the entrance of the temple.

Playin, dancing, performing national songs and watering each other: this is how passes the Vardavar in Garni.

Yerevan

This year watering machines were pouring water on the streets and so welcoming the festival.

The Swan Lake

Every year on Vardavar people, young and old, gather in the Swan Lake because the biggest festival holds on here. There is music and good environment, no ticket or registration you need for participation.

Tumo Park

The next best place of Vardavar festival is Tumo Park. It’s located on Halabyan street. Here mostly children come. Like Swan Lake in Tumo Park, there is DJ and many games teenagers and children play. It’s interesting that every year organizers change the program because they want to do their best to make Vardavar festival memorable.

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Story of Armenian Easter

Armenians have a strong connection with God. This nation was the first in the world to adopt Christianity and they still honor all the ancient Christian holidays, customs and traditions.

Armenian Easter is one of the five Cardinal Feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenians celebrate Easter in the interval from 22 March to 26 April (35 days). This holiday helps people to get rid of sins and resumption towards God. Before Easter, all the believers observe a forty day fast to purify their body and spirit just like Christ. On Saturday evening, after the sacred liturgy, all the believers greet each other for Christ’s resurrection. On Sunday night people begin the true celebration of Easter.

Armenians prepare for this holiday long before the celebration day. For that day Armenian housewives plant wheat seeds in a beautiful plate, water it and place in a sunny place to make it grow faster. These seeds usually grow well and turn into a dense green carpet, which is soon decorated with colored eggs.

Easter Eggs

Easter Eggs

Generally, Armenians paint eggs in red, which symbolizes the blood of Christ. Unlike other countries where eggs are dyed with a variety of chemicals, Armenians dye eggs by using onion peels. Armenian housewives pour a little water in a pot and then add the onion peels and when the water becomes red they add eggs in water. Eggs colored with onion skins are useful and have a unique taste. The best combination for these eggs is Armenian lavash and tarragon. If you haven’t tried yet, do not waste your time to do so.

Armenian Lavash and a Glass of Wine

During Armenian Easter people greet each other by saying  ”Քրիստոս հարյավ ի մեռելոց”/Christ is risen from the dead, to which you reply “Օրհնյալ է Հարությունը Քրիստոսի”/Blessed is the resurrection of Christ. Then people sit at the tables and play an interesting game. They choose hard boiled eggs and hit the other player’s egg with the intention to break it. People call it “egg tapping” or “egg fight”. The winner gets the eggs of the loser.

Grilled trout with lime and vegetable

As a hospitable nation Armenians always lay a special table
where every dish has its own symbol and significance. Armenian housewives prepare rice with raisins where rice is the symbol of the humanity, and raisins refer all the Christians. But sometimes they put in it only 12 raisins to refer 12 apostles who had the hard life and were tortured for spreading Christianity in the world. Besides it Armenian housewives put on the holiday table Armenian fish called ”Ishkhan” and red wine, which symbolizes the flesh and blood of Christ.

Etymology

Ladybug

Throughout the history, people believe that the ladybug was a gift from God or Mary. This was the reason why almost every European country named that small insect with the name that linked back to God or Mary. Even in cases where the ladybug doesn’t link with God, Mary or any other meaning associated with that Christianity, it was historically considered by many people to be a good luck charm or good omen as people consider a ladybug a helpful insect.

Here is the comparison of the name of Zatik/ladybug in various languages:

Armenian – zatik – զատիկ/ladybug

Russian – божья коровка/ God’s cow

Lithuanian – dievo karvytė/ God’s cow

Slovenian – božja ovčica/God’s little sheep

Romanian – vaca domnului/God’s cow

Croatian – bubamara/the “Mara” (name) bug

German- marienkäfer/Mary’s beetle

Japanese – tentomushi/sky (where gods exist), path, bug

Spanish – mariquita/ little Mary/ lad’s bug

English – ladybug/Lady’s (Mary’s) bug

Netherlandish – lieveheersbeestje/dear lord’s bug

France – la bete a bon Dieu/God’s animal

The Five Cardinal Feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church

1. Christmas – Epiphany
2. Armenian Easter
3. Transfiguration/Vartavar
4. Assumption of Saint Mary
5. Exaltation of the Holy Cross/Khatchverats

 5 Interesting Easter Traditions in the world

1. Haux, France – Each year in Haux’s main square French serve a big omelet. For this omelet, more than 4,500 eggs are used. This tradition has an interesting story. Once when Napoleon and his army were traveling through the south of France they stopped in a small town and ate omelets and Napoleon liked it so much that he ordered people to gather their eggs and make a big omelet for his army the next day.
2. Norway – In this holiday Norwegians read crime “Easter Thrillers” known as Paaskekrimmen.
3. Rome, Italy – Pope commemorates the ‘’Way of the Cross’’ at the Colosseum which is a huge cross with burning torches that lights up the sky.
4. Washington DC – Americans roll a colored hard-boiled eggs with a large serving spoon.
5. Jerusalem/Israel – Israelis walk in the same path Jesus did on the day he was nailed to the cross. Some people carry a cross with them taking note his pain in that day.

Article Armenian Easter is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

This holiday is highly anticipated by everyone, especially by young people and newlyweds. The reason behind it is that, according to the tradition, during the celebration of Trndez it is possible to predict if one will get married or not. Or, whether the newlyweds will soon have a child, or will the year bring rich harvest.

Another name for the holiday is  “Tearn’ndaraj” (Candlemas Day).

In ancient times, when parents had their first child, they took him to the temple right when the baby was 40 days old.

According to a gospel, 40 days after the birth of Christ, Mary and Joseph took the baby to Jerusalem in order to present him to the Lord and also to consecrate to the temple.

They met an old and devout man named Simeon. He had asked God to give him a long life so that he could see the Son of God, the Saviour.

Simeon, during the presentation of the 40-day-old baby Jesus at the Jerusalem temple, saw the baby and understood that he would be a lifeline and a new light for humanity. He took Jesus in his arms, proclaiming that now he has seen the Saviour. Hence, the holiday was created and named  “Tearn’ndaraj”. It actually means “to come to meet the Lord, the Christ”.

The name “Trndez”, however, is more used among people. It means “the Lord is with you“.

According to Armenians, the word “Trndez” originates from the name of God Tir.

THE RITUALS AND TRADITIONS OF TRNDEZ

Tnrdez has pagan origins. It was called Derendez which in Armenian meant “bundle of hay in front of your house.” This was a good wish for the house.

In ancient Armenia, the holiday was associated with the worship of Vahagn.

Vahagn was the god of Fire and the Sun.

In pre-Christian Armenia, Trndez was celebrated as nature awakening festival. People believed that the strength of the fire could break the winter’s cold and make the fields fertile. They also believed that after the feast, the weather was getting warmer. So, the rituals of Tearnyndaraj are highly connected with the purifying qualities of fire.

The main ritual of Trndez is making fire.  The fire symbolizes the light, the warmth, the joy and also protection against evil.

Newlyweds jumping over bonfire

After people make a big bonfire in the courtyard of the temple, they all start shouting “Burn winter!”. People taking part in the ritual also sing songs about their wishes and requests. For example, some people sing “Let my hens bring eggs, cows – give milk, daughters-in-law give birth to babies”. Couples sing songs related to love. Women who didn’t have children jump over the fire with the belief that they would get pregnant. Sick people came near the fire with the hope that they will be healed.

Bonfires are also made in the yards of houses around which newlywed couples centered in the wedding clothing. It is like a second wedding.

 Even though the holiday is now Christianized, the customs and rituals are pretty much the same.

Young couples jump across the fire for good luck in the future.  They begin to predict the future. By jumping over bonfire people keep various diseases and misfortune away from them.

Recent years Armenian Apostolic Church also celebrates the festival as a newlyweds blessing day.

VARIOUS BELIEFS

There are many different beliefs associated with Trndez.

Here you will see a few of them.

• If the sacred fire touches the newlyweds when they jump over it, it means that they will have a baby soon. For unmarried people, if the fire touches them, it means they will get married soon.
• Another belief is associated with the ash of the bonfire. People put the ashes of the fire at the corners of their houses. They hope that it will bring them success during the year. Some people put the ash under the brood. That way they expect the chicken to hatch without any injuries. Children can also take a hen in their arms and go near the fire with the hope that the hen will lay more eggs.
• People also believe that by following the direction of fire smoke, unmarried people will know in which direction they will find their love. For the married ones, the smoke direction shows where to find success and luck.
• According to elder people, the direction of the smoke can predict the autumn crop of the year. If the smoke blows either to the South or to the East, it is a good omen for wheat. If it blows to the North or West, it is a bad omen and poor harvest.

People of all ages jump over the fire. They sing special songs and dance national dances. They hold hands, circle around the fire and count the seven circles they have to make before jumping over the bonfire. Some people collect the ashes of the fire and take home. Then they make a bonfire at their own gardens or yards.

AGHANDZ

Aghandz

Article Trndez is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

In ancient times New Year was celebrated on the 1st of Nisan, March 22, the day of Adam’s creation. That time New Year was celebrated on the same day for all the nations. After the destruction of the Tower of Babel and separation of languages, people marked New Year on different days.

History of Armenian New Year

During its long history, Armenians have had three new years called Kaghand, Navasard, New Year (Amanor).

The word “kaghand” comes from the Latin word “calendae” which in Armenian means the first day of the year. All provinces had great Kaghand celebrations, festive rites people performed in the temples, which were accompanied by sacrifices to the gods.

Then Armenians started celebrating the new year on Navasard 1, the day when Hayk defeated Titan Bel. According to the tradition Armenian patriarch, Hayk defeated and killed Bel in Dzor province on August 11.

During the 18th century, January 1st was accepted as a beginning of the New Year. But in some regions of Armenia: Syunik, Artsakh and Utik people celebrate New Year on Navasard.

Armenian New Year

New Year is one of the most favorite events for Armenians. Though there are many changes in celebration ways compared with ancient times, Armenians have remained unique in their customs.

One month before New Year you can see ornaments in the streets, artificial snowflakes attached on windows, shining walls and Christmas trees in shops.

Armenians like to be prepared for New Year 1 month in prior (there are housewives who buy food and decorations even from summer). Everyone makes effort to have the best-looking table around his/her relatives, neighbors. This is a kind of the tradition – to have the table full of good and tasty food.

When does Armenian New Year Start?

We, Armenians, use to save money from the beginning of the year for celebrating New Year. People even do more than they can afford since they believe that “You’ll spend the year just the way you’ve welcomed it”. As Armenians are very hospitable they keep their tables as “fresh” as possible for welcoming the guests.

In houses people decorate Christmas Trees, hang lights from windows, use balloons and when the 00:00 comes you can listen the sound of fireworks and children’s happy voices.

For New Year, TV channels show programs, that people like to watch before the New Year starts and after it.

The festive mood continues whole day long. Till morning people celebrate with a great luster. They visit each other not only on the first day but also til 13 January (passed New Year).

Armenian New Year Table

As you understood Armenians mostly pay attention to the New Year table. And it’s quite interesting what dishes and decorations they use for making it look “rich”.

There are some dishes that are main parts of almost every Armenian New Year table.

Pork Leg (Khozi Bud)

One of the most important Armenian New Year table “accessories” is the pork leg. It’s the most favorite dish that housewives like to cook. Why is it the most favorite? Because it takes a long time to get ready and if you don’t like it it will be boring for you to cook. Even some housewives don’t sleep a whole night to “take care” of this important part of the table.

Turkey

Sometimes Armenians put Turkey instead of Khozi Bud and it can be considered second main dish of the New Year table.

Dolma

Dolma is a very important dish for New Year table, especially in villages. Mothers and grandmothers start cooking this dish hours ago before the New Year.

Salads

Various salads are on Armenian traditional tables: Mayraqaghaqayin, Nran aparanjan, grabsArevatsaghik and many other home-made salads grab appetite.

Desserts

On the table, you can see pastry, fruits, various nuts ( pistachio, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, etc…) and the sweet sudjukh. Dried sweet snacks from all kinds of fruits are also a must-have for the table, which housewives make with their own hands even months before the New Year.

No one leaves Armenian house being hungry because they should try every dish housewives offer. And if they deny it will be an offence for them.

Once you visit Armenia on the New Year its celebration way will attract you and you will want to visit every year.

Armenian “New Year” Cities

Armenia isn’t only unique with its dishes on New Year, but also with its shining cities and villages. New Year mood is spread around the whole country.

And so, if you are planning to spend your New Year in Armenia here are some of the best places you can visit and enjoy.

Tsaghkadzor or “Valley of Flowers”

Your New Year will be memorable if you spend in Tsaghkadzor. Its resorts arrange festivals and celebrate the New Year in a great way.

You can also go for skiing if you are fond of active holidays.

Yerevan

In the center of Yerevan also you can spend a good time with your family and friends. Hospitable hotels and restaurants will welcome you.

Historical places 

During New Year’s holidays, you can visit many historical places ( Garni, Geghard, Tatev, etc…) and discover new beautiful destinations on earth.

Article Armenian New Year is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

Traditions are a very important part of every nation. They help to bridge the past with the present. Armenians traditions and customs have a history of centuries. Tradition is a wide concept which is complete with various holidays.

In Armenia, there are many religious and National holidays. The list of many Armenian holidays, both national and religious, comes below. They will take you insight the culture and customs of this small, yet beautiful country.

NEW YEAR

JANUARY 1

One of the most popular and expected holiday in Armenia is the New Year. Armenians celebrate it for a whole week. Usually, it starts on December 31, on New Year’s Eve. During the week, people visit their relatives, friends, host guests to celebrate the start of the year together and exchange gifts. Tables are loaded with a lot of traditional meals, cookies, and sweets. People keep their doors “open” to welcome new visitors with a smile and an open heart!

In addition, this holiday is very expected by children, because they write letters and send to the Armenian Santa Claus, called  Dzmer Papik (literally Winter Grandfather). Santa then brings them whatever they wanted on New Year’s Eve.

CHRISTMAS

JANUARY 6

Being one of the major religious holidays, Christmas is celebrated by Orthodox Christians all over the world.

During this holiday, Armenians visit churches, pray and also celebrate it together with Epiphany (baptism). After going to the church, families enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner. The main dish is fish and rice prepared with butter, served with red wine. Most of the time Armenians cook rice with raisins and plums. 

NATIONAL ARMY DAY

JANUARY 28

Armenian National Army was created in 1992 in the newly independent Republic of Armenia. January 28th is a special date for the modern history of Armenia. On this day exactly,  Armenians all around the world celebrate the day of the Armenian National Army formation.

See also: Armenian flag

SAINT SARGIS

FEBRUARY

While people all around the world celebrate the day of St. Valentine on February 14, Armenians have their own holiday, called St. Sargis. This holiday is also known as the day of the youth blessing. Just like many other religious holidays, there is no exact date for observing St. Sargis. Armenians celebrate it 63 days before the Easter, on Saturday between the January 18 and February 23.

This holiday is mostly celebrated by young people who believe that St. Sargis is the creator of their destiny.

Young, unmarried people eat salty pies before sleeping. No matter how thirsty they are after eating the salty pies, they cannot drink water.  The person that will give them water in their dream, according to the traditional belief, will become their future spouse.

According to the tradition, Sargis was a military commander. He sacrificed his life for Christian faith.

Many people put a plate filled with flour outside their homes for recording the horse of St. Sargis’s riding through that flour. They believe St. Sargis appears on his horse with a very high speed, and the traces he left on the floor bring them luck. People imagine Sargis as a handsome man who appears with a spear, a gold helmet, and gold armor.

TRNDEZ (PURIFICATION)

FEBRUARY 14

Armenians celebrate Trndez or Tyarn’ndaraj on February 14th․ They start celebrating it on the evening of 13th. This holiday carries the idea of coming forward to the Lord or God with fire, after 40 days of his birth which, according to Armenians, is on January 6.

In origin, the celebration of this holiday is pagan and is connected with fire/sun worship, which indicates spring and fertility.

On this day, people hold their significant other’s hand and jump over the bonfire. This symbolizes eternal love. The ritual is meant to leave the bad days and events in the past when the couple lands, they are purified.

Not only couples jump over the fire, but also young mothers. That way they are cleansed and are freed from the evil.

WOMEN’S DAY

MARCH 8

The international women’s day is very popular among Armenian people. Armenians usually celebrate this holiday with their families, friends and spend a good time at home, cafes or elsewhere. Women get flowers and various presents from their families, friends, colleagues and beloved ones. The streets are full of flowers and bright smiles of our gorgeous women.

DAY OF MATERNITY AND BEAUTY

APRIL 7

Like the previous holiday, this one is also for honoring women. Children give gifts and flowers to their mothers or grandmothers. The month of Women – the period from March 8th to April 7th.

Girls and women walking in the streets on those days getting flowers even from the strangers.

EASTER

APRIL

Easter Eggs

Easter is one of the most expected holidays among Armenians. It starts on Good Friday and lasts through the weekend.

People greeting each other on this day by using the phrase “Christ has arisen”, and the answer is: “Blessed is the resurrection of Christ”.

Easter eggs have the red color, which symbolizes the blood of Christ. Nowadays they appear in different colors. On Easter, you can also taste Cheorek (sweet bread).

There is also a traditional game during this holiday. People hit hard boiled eggs of other players. Then, in the end, the winner gets the eggs of the loser, and then the final winner gets all the eggs. This game is definitely one of the main reasons why children like this holiday.

PALM SUNDAY

APRIL

Armenians celebrate Palm Sunday one week before Easter. The major part of the ceremony is devoted to the awakening of spring. Palm Sunday is also a holiday for young people. During this holiday, people wear wreaths made of willow branches on their heads.

COMMEMORATION DAY OF THE GENOCIDE VICTIMS

APRIL 24

All Armenians in the world honor the memory of the 1.5 million victims that were killed during the 1915 Genocide every year. This day is the day to face and remember the historical past as well demand justice for the new generation.

In Yerevan, hundreds of thousands of people walk to the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial in order to lay flowers at the eternal flame.

HAMBARDZUM (ASCENSION DAY)

MAY

Ascension Day is a religious holiday. It is the holiday of love and enjoyment, therefore people celebrate it outdoors, usually in the blossom of May (40 days after Easter). People believe that this is also a night of miracles.

In old times, young girls on this day were allowed to walk freely in the fields, singing songs, getting to know more people, and often becoming decisive and determined in their lives.

VICTORY AND PEACE DAY AND SHUSHI LIBERATION DAY

MAY 9

Different countries celebrate the victory of the World War II and the memorial for its dead on different days in different countries. Armenians celebrate it on May 9th.

On May 8, 1992, Armenian military forces liberated Shushi from Azerbaijani forces. This was a very important milestone in Artsakh war for the Republic of Armenia which was newly created.

On this day the military forces of Armenia and the heroes of WW II march through the Republic Square.

DAY OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC

MAY 28

In 1918 the Republic of Armenia restored its statehood after half a millennium of lost sovereignty. This is a national holiday the celebration of which marks the beginning of the newly independent Armenia.

Constitution of Armenia

JULY 5

Armenians adopted through a national referendum on July 5, 1995, the Constitution of the third (current) Republic of Armenia. Therefore this day became one of the Armenian national holidays.

VARDAVAR – THE FEAST OF WATER (TRANSFIGURATION)

JULY

Vardavar is the major summer holiday and people celebrate it 98 days after Easter. This is probably the most expected holiday. Mostly children and young people are excited about it.

One of the main parts of this holiday is the ceremony of making the pigeons fly. The most interesting and fun part is pouring water on each other. Thus, no matter the age and the gender, people spill water on each other all day long. Friends or strangers, young or old, everyone feels happy and excited. What’s more, people take everything easy. This is a joyful holiday. It seems as if the whole country is your family.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

SEPTEMBER 21

In 1991, a national referendum was held in Armenia on secession from the Soviet Union.

According to the results , the third and independent Republic of Armenia was created. Since then, September 21st has been a public holiday to celebrate the event of national significance.

Traditionally, there is no particular way of celebrating this day. However, in other countries where are  Armenian communities, they tend to get together inviting their friends for celebrating their independence day.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF VICTIMS OF THE 1988 EARTHQUAKE

DECEMBER 7

In 1988, there was a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in an Armenian city, Spitak. As a tragic result, thousands of people died. Thousands more got injuries and hundreds of thousands became homeless. The earthquake destroyed most of the Republic’s infrastructure as well.

Therefore, to remember this tragedy and to express condolences, this date became one of the Armenian holidays. December 7th still remains the day of remembrance of victims for every Armenian in the world. That devastating earthquake in 1988 killed thousands of people. Thus, it also destroyed most of the Republic’s infrastructure.

GRAPE BLESSING DAY

AUGUST

Grape blessing ceremony at the Echmiadzin Cathedral

Armenians celebrate the Grape Blessing Day during August, the end of the summer and also the beginning of harvest. Of the big variety of produce, grapes had a special place of honor. The “first fruits” (grapes) were the first produce of harvest. Armenians celebrate the blessing of grapes on a major feast day of “Assumption of the St. Mary”.

Article Armenian Holidays is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.