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This presentation is a summary of the most seen traits of Armenian character drawn in comparison with the country's longstanding culture. 10 defining keywords were selected that describe an Armenian person's nature, which are analyzed together with historic events, customs, music and other elements of Armenia's culture.
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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)