Armenia is a warm and rich country, and Armenian traditions are no exception. From welcoming guests to celebrating life, Armenia’s traditions make this country a wonderful place to visit.
TRNDEZ
The Armenians believe good fortune in love, life and the prospect of a fertile harvest burn in the flames of fire. As such, building bonfires is central to the fairest of Armenian traditions – Trndez.
The blaze is said to symbolize light, warmth, joy and the swift dispatching of winter, but more than this it has the power to make predictions. The fire predicts whether a couple is going to marry or have a child. It breaks the frost of winter and makes the fields fertile. It heals the sick and inspires hens to lay more eggs. At Trndez, fire pretty much has the power to do anything.
Most notably, however, it is at this fiery festival that you’ll see couples jump over the flames to determine whether or not they will get married. Newlyweds (fully clad in their wedding attire) jump over bonfires to determine whether or not they’ll have a child. In both cases, the Armenians consider it a sign of good fortune if the flames touch them.
VARDAVAR
Water scarce Armenia allows itself just one day a year to waste this precious resource. But only because of its power to cleanse inside and out. Vardavar dates back to pagan times and is an enduring nod to Astghik, the goddess of water and purity.
Expect to get properly drenched on this day in July. The Armenians think nothing of pouring water over anyone who doesn’t look thrilled to be alive. And they’re undiscerning about it too. You could be a complete stranger only to find your unsuspecting self liberally doused with a bucket of water thrown from the balcony above.
TZAGHKAZARD
Expect a riot of colors on the streets of Armenia on Palm Sunday (Tsaghkazard). Literally translated as “decorated with flowers”, Tsaghkazard sees churches across the country flamboyantly decorated with fresh flowers and willow branches.
Being the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion, the Armenians are deeply religious. Celebrations such as Tsaghkazard, Easter and the Ascension are therefore key dates on the Armenian calendar. But the locals are also a superstitious bunch and they believe wholeheartedly that certain Armenian traditions will bring them good luck.
At Tsaghkazard, the Armenian Christians believe that blessed willow branches will bring happiness and good fortune to their lives and homes. These, along with wheat spikes symbolizing a good harvest, are kept in the home for a full year between Palm Sundays. On this special day, it’s out with the old and in with the new – the dregs of yesteryear literally thrown out on a bonfire to burn.
Սառա Սարդարյանի բլոգ 