The holiday of Navasard celebrated on 11 August is an ancient Armenian New Year, symboling Hayk Nahapet’s (the legendary patriarch of the Armenian people) victory over the Babylonian tyrant Bel. According to legend, about 4,500 years ago Hayk Nahapet defeated Bel’s army, which marked the dawn of the Armenian Republic. The word itself is translate as nava...
Today Marks Vardavar
Vardavar (or Vartavar) is one of several ancient Armenian festivals that has survived until present. Although now a Christian tradition, celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (the Feast of Transfiguration), Vardavar’s history dates back to pagan times. The ancient festival is traditionally associated with the goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water, beauty,...
