New Year and Christmas holidays in Armenia have a unique way of celebration. The traditional celebration of New Year and Christmas are fantastic but Armenians do not exclude also trying new ways of having fun on these days.
Let’s discover more about Armenian New Year, Christmas, why to choose Armenia, where to go and what to do during these lovely holidays.
2. Armenian New Year
Armenian New Yearcelebration always starts on the evening of December
31st and continue throughout January 1st.
3. Armenian New YearTraditions
1. Rich table
Rich table – full of different types of dishes, food, fruits, salads and so on is a must
during Armenian New Year. Armenian women start the New Year table preparation
weeks before the New Year in order to be sure that on this day everything will be
on the highest level: Armenian New Year table seems to be the pride of Armenian
women.
5. 3. Guest-host tradition
Guest-host tradition, when Armenians visit their relatives and friends
during the next two weeks after the New Year to celebrate it. The visits
start from the most honourable people (parents for example), and one
should visit as many houses as he/she can as those who did not get a visit
will be offended. It is a great chance to visit all yourrelatives.
6. 4. DzmerPap
Dzmer Pap is the Armenian variant of Santa Clause. The name is translated
into English as “dzmer” – winter, “pap” – grandpa. So Winter Grandpa is
ready to make you happy with his gifts. He usually does not come down the
chimney but he prefers to ring the doorbell and left the present in front of
yourdoorand hurry to give gifts to otherkids as well.
7. Armenian Christmas
Before the 4th century, Christians celebrated Christmas on January 6th.
Then the date was changed into December 25 to replace a pagan holiday of
Sun god. Armenians still celebrate Christmas on January 6th. Being the
first Christian country, Armenia did not replace the date.
8. Armenian Christmas Traditions
1. Fast before Christmas
Armenians fast before Christmas: it has both religious and medical
meaning. The religious meaning is that they clean their soul, heart and
stomach at the same time. The medical meaning is to get rid of all the food
consumed during New Year.
9. 2. No gifts
No gifts are given on Christmas in Armenia as all the presents are usually
given on New Yearday – late at night of December31.
10. 3. “Christ is Born and Revealed. Good news foryou and
us”
“Christ is Born and Revealed. Good news for you and us” – these are the
holy words which are always said on Christmas. The first sentence is the
greeting and the other is the answer to this greeting. Armenian mobile
operators also greet people with the messages like this.
11. Do not hesitate, come and enjoy yourholidays in Armenia
with Levon Travel and spend an unforgettable time. We are
waiting foryou!
