ARMENIAN CULTURE

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ARMENIAN CULTURE

• Armenians are the fourth largest minority in
  Bulgaria, numbering 10,832. They have been
  inhabiting the Balkans (including the territory
  of modern Bulgaria) since no later than the 5th
  century, when they moved there as part of the
  Byzantine cavalry. The main centres of the
  Armenian community in the country are the major
  cities Plovdiv, Varna, Sofia and Burgas.
• The traditional language of the community is
  Western Armenian, though due to education during
  the Communist period in Bulgaria being in Eastern
  Armenian, many are also fluent in the latter
  dialect. Bulgarian, being the official language,
  is spoken by almost all Armenians in the country.

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Over the years Armenia has developed a modern,
unique and successful culture. Many aspects of
the culture are based on the geography,
literature, dance, and music of the people. The
culture is similar and yet distinct from many of
the bordering countries like Russia, Georgia, and
Iran as well as Mediterranean nations such as
Greece, and Italy. Armenian culture has strong
influences from both its Eastern neighbours, as
well as an underlying influence from Europe to
the West.
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DANCE
The Armenian dance heritage has been one of the
oldest, richest and most varied in the Near East.
From the fifth to the third millenium B.C., in
the higher regions of Armenia there are rock
paintings of scenes of country dancing. These
dances were probably accompanied by certain kinds
of songs or musical instruments.
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Armenian cuisine is as ancient as the history of
Armenia, a combination of different tastes and
aromas. Closely related to eastern and
Mediterranean cuisine, various spices,
vegetables, fish, and fruits combine to present
unique dishes. Throughout history, Armenian
cuisine has had cultural exchange with the
cuisines of neighboring countries, i.e. Greek,
Russian, Turkish, and Arab. Armenia is also
famous for its wine, brandy , vodka and very
strong coffee. In particular, Armenian cognac is
renowned worldwide (winner of several awards),
and was considered by the late British Prime
Minister, Winston Churchill, as his favorite
FOOD
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FAMILY
Armenians are known for having large and close
family bonds. It is very common in Armenian
marriages for both the bride and groom to be from
the same family and already share the same last
name. In Armenia there are no laws concerning
marriage of first cousins, half-sisters,
half-brothers, etc. It has been long standing
tradition in Armenia to tighten family bonds
through interfamily marriage.
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MUSIC
One of the most important parts of Armenian
culture is the music, which has in recent years
brought new forms of music, while maintaining
traditional styles too. This is evidenced by the
world-class Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra that
performs at the beautifully refurbished Yerevan
Opera House, where one can also attend a full
season of opera. In addition, several chamber
ensembles are highly regarded for their
musicianship, including the National Chamber
Orchestra of Armenia and the Serenade Orchestra.
Classical music can also be heard at one of
several smaller venues, including the State Music
Conservatory and the Chamber Orchestra Hall. Jazz
is popular, especially in the summer when live
performances are a regular occurrence at one of
the citys many outdoor cafés and parks.
Yerevan Opera House
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THE ARMENIAN WEDDING CEREMONY
The ritual of Holy Matrimony of the Armenian
Church is one of the most inspiring and uplifting
rituals in the Eastern Orthodox Christian
Churches. Marriage is one of the seven sacraments
of the Armenian Church in which the couple are
called to make a vow before the Lord to be true
to each other for life. Their matrimonial union
is blessed by the Lord through the Church. The
marriage ceremony of the Armenian Church is rich
in ritual and symbolism.
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THE ARMENIAN RITE

• In the Armenian Church this vivid ceremony is a
  portrayal, step by step, of the new life of
  husband and wife. The symbolism is striking and
  points to the love that is yet to be experienced
  in this holy union. Each of the acts performed
  during the service has a special meaning and
  significance.
• After being blessed by the priest, rings are
  exchanged between the bride and groom, giving
  expression to the fact that spouses in marriage
  will constantly be complementing each other. Each
  will be enriched by the union. During the
  exhortation to the bride and groom and later on
  in the service, the right hands of the bride and
  groom are joined to symbolize the oneness of the
  couple.

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THE CROWNING

• The crowning is the climax of the wedding
  service. The crowns are the sign of the glory and
  honor with which God crowns them during the
  Sacrament. The groom and the bride are crowned as
  the king and the queen of their own little
  kingdom, the home, which they will rule with
  wisdom, justice, and integrity. At the end of the
  wedding ceremony the priest blesses the couple,
  asking Christ to "protect them under the shadow
  of thy holy and honorable cross in peace". Thus
  Gods grace is imparted to them to live together
  in His love, mutually fulfilling and perfecting
  each other.

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ARMENIAN BAPTISM CEREMONY

• It is the offering of oneself to God or the
  presentation of the child by the godparent and
  accepting his message of salvation. It is the
  duty of Christian parents to see to it that their
  children are baptized when infants. Church canons
  strongly advise Baptism of the child by the 8th
  day after birth and up until the 40th day after
  birth.

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DOOR OF THE CHURCH

• At the door of the church, the order of the
  service conducted by the priest is Penitential
  Psalms, Blessing of Narod, Renunciation of Satan,
  and Confessions of Faith.
• At the door of the church, the child is
  presented to the church as an offering and gift
  to God. The priest prepares a special cord called
  Narod, which is made up of two colored cords
  braided into one. The colors of the Narod are red
  and white, which symbolize sacrifice and purity,
  and also recall the blood and water which poured
  out the side of Christ.

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• With the placing of the Narod and Cross on the
  neck of the child, we see the action of Christ
  taking over the person. As the child is brought
  into the church the hymn Zoghormootiun ko uztoorn
  patz mez Der (The gate of thy mercy open unto us
  O Lord) is sung. Next the Godfather takes the
  child in his arms and he and all present shall
  turn facing the west (the doors of the church)
  and shall say together with the priest the
  Renunciation of Satan three times (the west is
  the symbol of darkness and the "side of Satan").
  Following the renunciation (hrajaroom), the
  Godfather, the child, and all present "turn to
  the light of the knowledge of God." At this point
  the sponsor on behalf of the child professes the
  childs unity to Christ, by reciting the
  Baptismal Creed. The conclusion of the rite at
  the door of the church ends with the reading of
  the Holy Gospel declaring the "Commission of the
  Apostles" followed by the recitation of the
  Nicene Creed.

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ARMENIAN NEEDLELACE

• Over the centuries, Armenian woman have excelled
  in fine needlework. At a very young age, girls
  worked diligently preparing their trousseau (an
  important part of a brides dowry), making lace,
  embroidering towels and preparing all the
  clothing they would wear for the rest of their
  lives.

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ARMENIAN COFFEE - "SURJ"

• According to folklore, when you visited friends
  and relatives, it was the custom to be served
  Surj (Armenian Coffee). In all the Near Eastern
  countries where Surj was served, it was the duty
  of the young girl in the house to prepare the
  coffee for all occasions. Traditionally, the girl
  who could not make a pot of coffee (surj) with a
  good foaming head on it was not worthy of a good
  husband!

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THE EVIL EYE - FACT OR FICTION?

• One of the more colorful folk beliefs in Armenian
  tradition is the very real belief and fear of the
  "Evil Eye", a form of projected envy that can
  harm one. Belief in the evil eye was widespread
  amongst Mediterranean cultures and any
  individuals misfortune was the obvious result of
  an ill-wisher.

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ARMENIAN SUPERSTITIONS
Armenians never start a new project on Tuesday
because it will never turn out or be completed.
If someone enters through a front door, they must
leave from the same door. Never cross a path a
snake has made. One must walk around it or else
bad luck will befall them.
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Saint Gregor church in Summer time
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The train station and the statue of David
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The Yerevan main train station.
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YerevanRepublic Square
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THE END
G.A.