Spiritual Findings

Maryanne Yeranosian Yeva Manukyan Anthropology 121Dr. Leanna Wolfe

04/18/10

The above picture shows an Armenian christian canvas called “the khachkar”. This finding symbolizes many many years of history in Amrnenia and this family keeps it in their household in order to commemorate it every time they pray or before they visit church.

This cross displayed near the corner of worship, is not just any other cross. It is the Cross of Calvary which is also very significant to the religious Armenian family. I am told it represents a hill to hope and love.

The above is a picture of a framed ancient alphabet I found posted on the family’s wall of worship. This represents their commitment to the culture and language. When we asked them why you would have a picture of such a thing on the wall they explained to me that they were born into Armenian beliefs and customs but never forced to follow it. It is up to them to continue the rituals and beliefs of their culture.

This picture above shows the Armenian prayer framed alongside a picture of Jesus’ crucification, which is another important symbol that related to the cross. The family says this prayer every time they eat, go to church, and sleep.

Next is a photo of what seems to be an ancient cup-like treasure/jewelry chest. The family explained that this particular chest is a new form of an ancient-egyptian printing brought from Armenia many decades ago.

This next picture shows the same Armenian prayer but much smaller with an inscription on the bottom that reads “The Lord’s Prayer” in Armenian.

This is a portrait of Mariam Astvatsin, or Mary, and Jesus Christ. They are highly worshipped in this family and represent honor, family, and unity. The family shared with us the reasons why they kept a picture of them in many places around the house. One of the main reasons was that they feel protected and looked upon by them. They also feel safe and a sense of warmth.

The previous slides are all presented in the corner of the house right before the entrance. They are collected together as a form of power and coming together as a union. The family prays alongside these objects and spaces.

The family at times replaces the hieroglyph-like framed artwork for the 2 symbolic vases that are presented in the back. They show stability and communion within all the other objects. Together they are stronger and therefore, make the family values and morals very important and significant .

Our Thoughts Overall, we both found the spiritual

objects to be very informative and helpful to us. We are both Christians who go to church every Sunday but we do not prioritize our religion as much as we should. This family’s home showed us a different aspect of our culture that we should appreciate which we have now come to do and understand more clearly.