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.
Armenian New year
Armenian New Year celebration always starts on the evening of December 31st and continue throughout January 1st. There are many traditions and customs which are the same in many countries: such traditions as fireworks, parties, traditional dishes and so on.
Armenian New Year Traditions
1. 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.
2. Must-prepare dishes of Armenian the traditional New Year table are:
Pork
Armenian Dolma
Pasuts Dolma
Russian pancake named “Blinchik”
Different salads including the most favourite salad “Stalichni”
Pickles
Olives
Ishli Kufta
Many many bottles of alcohol
The list is endless
3. 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 your relatives.
4. 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 your door and hurry to give gifts to other kids as well.
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.
Armenian Christmas Traditions
1. 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.
2. No gifts are given on Christmas in Armenia as all the presents are usually given on New Year day – late at night of December 31.
3. “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.
5 reasons to celebrate New Year and Christmas in Armenia
1. To learn more about Armenian unique traditions and customs of New Year and Christmas.
2. To enjoy outdoor ice skating.
3. To visit fantastic sightseeing.
4. To visit the Armenian Christmas Market.
5. To fall in love with Armenia and Armenians.
5 Things to do in Armenia during Christmas & New Year
1. To celebrate New Year and Christmas with Armenians.
2. To have a fun run in Santa’s costume.
3. To visit Armenian “Winter Park”.
4. To meet Dzmer Pap.
5. Admire Armenian Christmas and New Year street decorations.
Are you already interested in visiting Armenia? Do not hesitate, come and enjoy your holidays in Armenia with Levon Travel and spend an unforgettable time. We are waiting for you!
For the information about Armenian New Year and Christmas tours call us +(374 10) 525 210.
