Christmas in Armenia is a bit different from what you might expect. Instead of December 25th, Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6th, blending religious traditions with unique cultural customs.
This article will explore the special traditions, religious importance, and delicious foods that make Armenian Christmas so distinctive.
The January 6th celebration actually combines the Nativity of Jesus (Christmas) with the Epiphany (the revelation of Jesus’s divinity), making it a particularly important religious holiday.
Why January 6th? The Date of Armenian Christmas
The Armenian Apostolic Church continues to celebrate Christmas on January 6th. This date goes back to the earliest days of Christianity, when people celebrated Christ’s birth and baptism on the same day.
The different dates come from historical differences in Christian calendars. The Armenian Church still uses the Julian calendar, sometimes called the Old Calendar, in some regions.
Interestingly, in Jerusalem, the Old Calendar causes Armenian Christmas to be celebrated on January 19th.
Traditions and Customs: Celebrating the Nativity
Christmas in Armenia is a blend of religious observance and secular celebration. Here’s a glimpse into some of the traditions.
Religious Observances
Armenians prepare for Christmas through a week-long fast, a time of abstinence meant to heighten their spiritual awareness of the holiday.
Churches hold special services during the Christmas season, which often include a blessing of water. Many people bring lit candles home from these services.
Secular Celebrations
You’ll see Christmas trees, called “Tonatsar,” in homes and public spaces, especially in Yerevan.
New Year’s Eve celebrations are often part of the Christmas festivities. Santa Claus, known as Gaghant Baba, Kaghand Papa, or Dzmer Papik, visits children with gifts.
The Christmas Feast: A Culinary Journey
Food is a central part of any Armenian holiday celebration. Here’s what you’re likely to find on the table during the Christmas season.
Christmas Eve (Khetum)
The Christmas Eve meal, known as “Khetum,” features certain traditional dishes, including rice, fish, and a dessert called “nevik.” Another traditional dish served on Christmas Eve is “tanabur,” a yogurt-based soup.
Christmas Day
The Christmas Day dinner tends to be more elaborate than the Christmas Eve meal. Popular Christmas Day foods include Anooshaboor (a sweet pudding made with barley), Khozee bood (pork), and an array of dried fruits.
Each food item served often carries a symbolic meaning, adding another layer of richness to the celebration.
Spreading Holiday Cheer: Armenian Christmas Greetings
The traditional Armenian Christmas greeting is “Shnorhavor Amanor yev Surb Tznund” (Շնորհավոր Ամանոր և Սուրբ Ծնունդ), which means “Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.” You might also hear Armenians use similar phrases to wish each other well throughout the holiday season.
To Conclude
Armenian Christmas, celebrated on January 6th, provides a distinctive perspective on the Nativity, rich with traditions, religious significance, and symbolic foods. It’s a beautiful example of Armenia’s enduring cultural and religious heritage.