Christmas in Armenia

New Year and Christmas holidays in Armenia have a unique way of celebration.


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.

 Must-prepare dishes of Armenian the traditional New Year table are:
Armenian Dolma (meat in vine wrapping),Pasuts Dolma (lean dolma, made with a filling of rice, Russian pancake named Blinchik, Ishli Kufta... this list is endless

 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 starting from parents.It is a great chance to visit all your relatives.

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

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.

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.