ARMENIA

1. Folk etymology• Who are Armenians?• Armenians are a nation and ethnic group native to

the Armenian Highland.• Ancient nation

(more than 3000 yrs old)• Own language • unique alphabet (39 letter)

From Sea to Sea Armenia• Armenian Kingdom was at the height during the reign of

the king Tigran The Great (95-55 BC)

Republic of Armenia nowadays• Location: Southern Caucasus• Area: 29,800 sq.km.• Population: 3.2 million (urban/rural – 64%/36%)• Capital: Yerevan (1 mil.)

The Biblical Mountains• According to Genesis 8:4, the Ark came to rest on

the mountains of Ararat.

Ararat as the symbol of Armenia• Although it belongs to Turkey, the mountain remains the

symbol of the country. Examples – coat of arms, beer, brandy

Ararat – the brand of Armenia

Hayastan – The country of ‘Hay’-s (Armenians) • Hayk:

• legendary patriarch of Armenians• great-great-grandson of Noah• defeated the Babylonian king Bel in 2492 BC• established his nation in the Ararat region

• As an ancient nation for us it is very important

to know who we are and where we come from.

In other words, our folk etymology.

2. Customs and Traditions• Armenian nation has kept its traditions for over 2

centuries. Many traditions are so unique that they fully describe traits of Armenian character.

• Up until now Armenians marry among each other keeping the ancient genetic code.

• 99% of Armenian surnames have an ending “yan”• The top 3 most frequent Armenian surnames: • Khachatryan• Sargsyan• Grigoryan

Pagan history• Garni temple - the only survived pagan temple

Armenian mythology• During ancient times Armenians were a pagan nation. So

they believed in many Gods similar to Greek and Roman mythology.

The water festival• Original name – Vardavar• Dates back to pagan times• goddess Astghik, goddess of

water, beauty, love and fertility• currently celebrated 98 days

(14 weeks) after Easter

This is another perfect example

Keeping the traditions alive:

a pagan holiday is

Celebrated until today

The water festival (Vardavar)

3. Hospitality• Armenian hospitality amazed Alexander The Great• Armenians love holding big parties on such occasions like

baptism, weeding, birthday and especially the New Year• They spend a lot on those occasions (even borrowing

money)

Toasts• The art of saying good toasts• Usually the head of the ‘table’ suggests new toasts• The most important toasts include such concepts as

parents, women, children, the host, etc.

4. Religious

Armenia prides itself on being the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 A.D.

• For centuries when the country didn’t have independence religion and church kept the nation together

Tatev monastery

Armenian alphabet• invented in 405 AD. • 39 letters which cover every sound that the language has

5. Warmth• The flag: 2 warm colors & 1 cold color

Traditional dresses

Greetings and handshaking• Greetings show the warmth of Armenian nation• An Armenian handshaking has two parts:• 1st the handshaking• 2nd kissing each other into cheeks

Painting• Another symbol of warmth

6. Passion• Armenian dhol – mountainous• This instrument captures the rebellious and passionate

nature of Armenian people

7. Pride/ Dignity• Family dignity one of the top values• The biggest offense to an Armenian would be saying

anything bad about his/her mother or father• The truth of truths: if an Armenian says: “I swear in the

name of my mother or father,……..”, it means he is saying the truth, not lying. It’s like a sort of proof.

Armenian dance called “berd” (castle)

8. Hardworking

• Miniature painting• Started from medieval

period

Represents the

Hard-working nature of

Armenians

Khachqar (Cross-stones)

9. Sadness• There is also a part of sadness in Armenians, which is

due to many sad parts of the history: atrocities, foreign domination, natural disasters, hardships and genocide

• Armenian national instrument doudouk – represents that part of sadness in Armenian carachter

10. Surviving • The Great Armenian Genocide:• 1.5 mln Armenians were violently killed by ottoman turks• Half million forced to march and leave their homes • As a result the Armenian diaspora was formed

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_Genocide

Armenian diaspora• 3 mln Armenians live in Armenia• 8 mln Armenians live outside

Notable Armenians• We are proud of each achievement of every single

Armenian living in Armenia or out of its borders.

THERE AREN’T MANY OF US,BUT THEY CALL US ARMENIANS

Paruyr Sevak (Armenian poet)