Welcome to Armenian Christmas, a unique and vibrant holiday that brings together family, friends, and faith in a joyous explosion of color, music, and delicious food.
Observed on January 6th by the Armenian Apostolic Church, this ancient celebration is steeped in tradition and rich cultural heritage.
In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating history and customs surrounding Armenian Christmas, exploring how this special day is marked by Armenians around the world. From the sweet scent of traditional gata pastries to the warm glow of candlelit churches, join nationalparkshops’s team to discover the magic of Armenian Christmas and the enduring spirit of this special holiday.
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When is Armenian Christmas?
On January 6th, as much of the Western Christian world is occupied with removing Christmas decorations and marking Epiphany (the day commemorating the visit of the wise men to baby Jesus), Armenia celebrates Christmas Day.
The difference in dates stems from the early history of the Christian Church and the way Christmas gradually established itself, integrating with ancient Roman festivals.
In both Armenia and Lebanon, Christmas is observed as a public holiday.
Why do Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6th?
“Armenian Christmas,” as it is commonly known, marks the culmination of celebrations related to Christ’s Incarnation. Theophany or Epiphany (Astvadz-a-haytnootyoon in Armenian) signifies the “revelation of God” and serves as the central theme of the Armenian Church’s Christmas season. During this period, key events such as the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem and His Baptism in the River Jordan are celebrated. January 6th is the designated date for this major feast in the Armenian Church, accompanied by a ritual known as the “Blessing of Water,” symbolizing Christ’s Baptism.
One often wonders why Armenians do not observe Christmas on December 25th like most of the world. Notably, the Gospels do not record a specific date for Christ’s birth, so it lacks historical certainty. Historically, all Christian churches initially celebrated Christ’s birth on January 6th until the fourth century.
Roman Catholic records suggest the date was shifted from January 6th to December 25th to replace a pagan festival that honored the Sun’s birth on December 25th, a celebration that many early Christians still observed. To counter this, church leaders set December 25th as Christmas and January 6th as Epiphany. However, Armenia was unaffected by this change, as there was no comparable pagan celebration on that date, and the Armenian Church operated independently of the Roman Church. By upholding the traditions of their ancestors, Armenians have continued to celebrate Christmas on January 6th to this day.
History of Armenian Christmas
The roots of Armenian Christmas go back to the early days of Christianity in Armenia, which, according to tradition, became the first nation to officially embrace Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD. Since that time, the Armenian Church has celebrated Jesus Christ’s birth on January 6th, following the Julian calendar.
Over the centuries, Armenian Christmas has expanded beyond religious rites to include family traditions. For instance, it’s customary for families to come together for a special Christmas Eve meal, and the holiday is celebrated with carol singing, church services, and the giving of gifts.
Beyond its spiritual meaning, Armenian Christmas has been vital in preserving Armenian national identity throughout history. Despite foreign rule and periods of persecution, the observance of this holiday has played a significant role in maintaining Armenian culture and customs. Today, it remains a deeply cherished and eagerly anticipated occasion for Armenian communities around the globe.
>> Read More: 13 Unique Christmas Traditions Around The World
How to celebrate Armenian Christmas
This special day is filled with religious ceremonies and cultural customs. Here are some meaningful ways to join in the festivities:
Attend a Church Service
A traditional way to celebrate Armenian Christmas is by attending a church service. Many churches host special services on the evening of January 5th and the morning of January 6th. These gatherings typically feature carol singing, prayers, and Bible readings, offering a meaningful opportunity to connect with faith and community.
Gather for a Family Feast
For many families celebrating Armenian Christmas, a Christmas Eve dinner is a cherished tradition. This meal often features traditional dishes like dolma (stuffed grape leaves) and chorek (sweet bread). It’s a beautiful way to gather with loved ones and enjoy the holiday in a cozy, festive setting.
Another meaningful way to celebrate Armenian Christmas is by sharing Armenian culture with others. This might include preparing traditional dishes, enjoying Armenian music, or teaching others about the holiday’s history and customs. It’s a thoughtful way to honor and promote Armenia’s cultural heritage.
Give Back to the Community
Lastly, celebrating Armenian Christmas can also mean giving back. Volunteering at a local charity or donating to organizations that support the Armenian community are meaningful ways to honor the holiday. This act of generosity spreads the spirit of kindness and reflects the true essence of the season.
What countries celebrate Christmas in January?
Several countries celebrate Christmas in January, primarily due to their adherence to the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world. Celebrating Christmas in January can be called Orthodox Christmas. Here are the countries that observe Christmas in January:
- Armenia: Celebrates Christmas on January 6.
- Russia: Observes Christmas on January 7.
- Belarus: Also celebrates on January 7.
- Egypt: Christmas is celebrated on January 7.
- Ethiopia: Known as Gena, it is celebrated on January 7.
- Georgia: Follows the Julian calendar, celebrating Christmas on January 7.
- Kazakhstan: Celebrates Christmas on January 7.
- Macedonia: Observes Christmas on January 7.
- Moldova: Celebrates on January 7.
- Montenegro: Also observes Christmas on January 7.
- Serbia: Celebrates Christmas on January 7.
- Ukraine: Follows the tradition of celebrating Christmas on January 7.
Conclusion
As we’ve journeyed through the traditions and customs of Armenian Christmas, it’s clear that this special holiday is more than just a date on the calendar – it’s a vibrant celebration of faith, family, and community. Armenian Christmas is a time to come together, share in the joy of the season, and connect with the rich traditions that bring us all closer. So, as the festive season comes to a close, let the spirit of Armenian Christmas stay with you throughout the year – a reminder of the power of love, hope, and community to bring light and warmth to our lives.
