Traditions in Armenian holidays

1. Easter

The Armenian Church calls the final week of Christ’s life on earth Great Week or Holy Week. Holy Sunday is also called Easter Sunday expresses the joy of the Resurrection and the promise of salvation for all humanity. Armenian Christians around the world exchange the Easter greeting: Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ! Easter Sunday is followed by a period of 40 days, during which there are no saints’ days or fasting days. This period is dedicated to the glory of Christ’s Resurrection and to the 40 days he spent on earth after His Resurrection. The 40th day after the Resurrection is Ascension Day, commemorating his entry into heaven. The symbols of the day are red painted eggs which are special joys for kids.

2. (Hambartsum) Navasard

This is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven. Ascension Day (Hampartsoum) is the holiday of love and enjoyment, which is celebrated outdoors in the
blossom of May, 40 days after Easter. The celebration is also called Jangyulum (‘gyul’ means rose) in Armenia. In ancient times on this day the young ladies were allowed to walk freely in the fields, sing songs, and make acquaintances, which often became crucial in their lives. According to people’s imagination this is the night of miracle. It was celebrated with special songs, flower gatherings, tricky games among youth.

3.  St. Sargis Holiday

While the whole world celebrates St Valentines day, Armenians have their own holiday called St Sargis, which is celebrated 63 days before the Easter, on a Saturday between the January 18 and February 23. On the morning of the holiday the saint liturgy takes place in all the churches that are named St. Sargis where the ceremony of blessing the youth takes place as well.
This is the beloved holiday of young unmarried boys or girls. The process of the holiday is the : on the eve of February 14th young people eat specifically prepared salty bread and restrain themselves of drinking water. At the night they should see a guy or girl bringing them water in their dreams, who is believed to be their future husband or wife. Although St. Sargis is said to visit the dreams of both sexes, the tradition is more popular among girls and women.
According to another tradition it is accepted to put a tray with flour or porridge made from fried flour in the balcony or on the roof of the house waiting for Saint Sargis to come on his white horse and leave the trace of horse-shoe. The person whose tray will have the trace of the horse-shoe, is believed to be lucky on that year and his/her cherished dream will come true in the same year.