Any holiday in Armenia is an event. But among them, one of the most beloved and brightest remains the New Year. As in many other cultures and countries, it traveled throughout the calendar, once it was celebrated in spring, summer, autumn, and now on the night of December 31 to January 1. As a result of these movements, the Armenian New Year has absorbed a large layer of traditions from different times. First of all, the New Year is a family and home celebration. On a festive night, it is customary to gather here in a close but large company at a common table. And then, for the next few days, to visit and receive guests ourselves. Until Christmas, in almost every house, the table is set daily: the owners are always ready to receive expected and unexpected visitors.After the holidays, it’s better not to stand on the scales: the New Year is a symbol of generosity, a tribute of gratitude for all the good things that happened in the past year, an expression of hope for the good of the coming year. This is a time for forgiveness of insults, reconciliation. In general, from which side you approach him, you will stumble upon a warm welcome. Traditionally these days they cookmany sweet and lean dishes. If anushapur (sweet soup with dried fruits) and ghapama (pumpkin with rice, honey and nuts) are gradually moving from home tables to restaurants today, then pasuts tolma (cabbage stuffed with a bean-grain mixture), snacks from aveluk, lentils and pastries according to age-old recipes are not going to give up their positions.
The famous gata belongs to the latter. In the New Year, she is assigned a special role as the arbiter of fate for the upcoming calendar circle: the gata is broken according to the number of family members, in whose piece a coin or bean is found hidden there, good luck awaits. Also on the table there will definitely be nuts and dried fruits, ahandz (fried wheat with hemp seed), fresh fruits.
Can’t get around the khash theme! When else to eat it, if not on this long weekend, which so aptly fell on the middle of winter? At this time, it is better to “book” khash in a restaurant in advance. However, in winter it is not served except in small coffee shops. Although today the festive celebrations and attributes largely repeat the traditions of other countries – Santa Claus comes to the children, elegant Christmas trees are everywhere and garlands are lit – the national features of the holiday are also preserved. In many houses one can find “kenats tsar”, the tree of life. It is knitted from straw, dry branches or ears of corn and decorated with fruits, toys and coins.
Can’t get around the khash theme! When else to eat it, if not on this long weekend, which so aptly fell on the middle of winter? At this time, it is better to “book” khash in a restaurant in advance. However, in winter it is not served except in small coffee shops. Although today the festive celebrations and attributes largely repeat the traditions of other countries – Santa Claus comes to the children, elegant Christmas trees are everywhere and garlands are lit – the national features of the holiday are also preserved. In many houses one can find “kenats tsar”, the tree of life. It is knitted from straw, dry branches or ears of corn and decorated with fruits, toys and coins.
The main Christmas tree of the country is installed on the Republic Square in Yerevan. On New Year’s Eve, live music concerts, various shows, and discos are held here and at other venues in big cities. The most amazing thing is that Armenia in this festive lazy whirlpool does not fall into a stupor at all. The impression of general relaxation is deceptive. Already on January 1-2, museums are accepting visitors, shops are open as usual. Fairs, concerts and exhibitions are held on the streets of cities.
Life is in full swing in the ski centers of Tsaghkadzor, Jermuk and Sevan. There are climatic and balneological resorts. Winter in Armenia is quite mild and snowy, but the roads are open all year round in all directions: a great opportunity to see the sights of the country and its unique nature in an unusual form.
Any holiday in Armenia is an event. But among them, one of the most beloved and brightest remains the New Year. As in many other cultures and countries, it traveled throughout the calendar, once it was celebrated in spring, summer, autumn, and now on the night of December 31 to January 1. As a result of these movements, the Armenian New Year has absorbed a large layer of traditions from different times.
