Christmas in Armenia: A Unique Celebration

Christmas is an important and vibrant holiday in Armenia, yet its celebration is distinct from Western traditions. While the concept of Christmas is well-known and cherished, its practices and timing are quite different from those observed in the Western world. This article explores how Armenians celebrate Christmas and the unique traditions that make it a special occasion.

Unique Timing and Festivals

Despite being a popular holiday, Armenians celebrate Christmas on a different date than the West. The original date celebrated in Armenia is January 6th, reflecting the tradition of the Epiphany. This date is not only a significant Christian celebration but also a cherished family and community event. One of the unique traditions associated with this date is the red wine served with blessed bread, a symbolic gesture that adds depth to the celebration.

However, it's worth noting that Armenian Americans often celebrate Christmas on December 25th, blending their cultural heritage with the Western tradition. This dual celebration highlights the diverse and interconnected nature of Armenian culture.

New Year's Festivity Precedes Christmas

While Western Christmas is not widely practiced in Armenia, the New Year festivities take center stage. Armenians have a rich tradition of celebrating the New Year, which occurs on December 31st. This celebration is deeply rooted in both pagan and Christian traditions, stretching back to the time of the former Soviet Union. The centerpiece of these New Year festivities is the Tonatsar Tree, also known as the festive tree.

The Tonatsar Tree, which is decorated to celebrate the New Year, is an integral part of Armenian New Year traditions. The holiday of Nor Tari or Amanor (New Year in Armenian) is celebrated for 13 days, culminating on January 13th. During this period, Armenian households are prepared to host guests at any time of day or night, reflecting the spirit of hospitality and community.

Traditional Foods and Cultural Practices

The festive New Year preparations are marked by the presence of the best foods of the year, often featuring vegetarian dishes and salads. A staple during these celebrations is the lenten dolma, a traditional Armenian vegetarian dish. Similar to the Western tradition, Armenians are often seen sharing meals with extended family and friends, emphasizing the importance of community and togetherness.

Christmas on January 6th

January 6th is another significant day for Armenians, known as Armenian Christmas. While the celebration on this date is more closely tied to the Western concept, its meaning is slightly different. Armenian families traditionally gather for dinner on the eve of January 5th, sharing specific Christmas foods that often include a rice-based dish with fish. These vegetarian dishes are deeply rooted in pagan traditions, offering a spiritual and cultural connection to the past.

Although the tradition of celebrating Armenian Christmas is not as engrained as it once was, efforts by the church and community have been made to revive it in recent decades. This blending of Christian and pagan elements is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Armenian cultural practices.

Unique Elements in Armenian Christmas

Despite the significance of the New Year celebration, Christmas in Armenia still retains a sense of its own distinct characters. Concepts like the Christmas spirit, Christmas caroling, and lavish gift exchanges are not as prevalent, reflecting the influence of Soviet and Western traditions. Yet, the celebration is not devoid of customs and traditions. For example, Armenian Santa Claus is referred to as the Father Winter (Zhmer Pap), a concept brought in during the Soviet era and related to the New Year celebration.

The Mother Christmas figure, called Tsyunanush, is a young and hot girlfriend of Father Winter, reflecting the playful and festive nature of these traditions. Additionally, the term 'Kaghand Pap' used by Armenians of former Ottoman descent to refer to Santa Claus has been suggested to have pagan roots, further enriching the holiday's cultural tapestry.

A Final Note

While Christmas in Armenia is not celebrated in the same way as in the West, it remains a cherished and meaningful holiday. The blend of traditional pagan and Christian practices, as well as the unique festivals centered around the New Year, make Armenian Christmas and New Year a truly distinctive and vibrant celebration. Whether on January 6th or December 25th, the holiday is celebrated with joy, warmth, and a deep sense of community.