Over the centuries, many cultures have influenced the history of Armenia. This culture, which is expressed in religion, family life and traditions, today helps Armenians around the world to maintain their identity. One of the main national values of Armenia is the family, which cannot exist without an act considered as founding: marriage.
Ceremony
Wedding parties start well before the day of the ceremony and the families of the bride and groom play an important role. A couple of godfather and godmother serve as witnesses and model. The ceremony itself takes place in three parts. It begins with the commitment and the union of hands. It is the priest who puts the ring on the ring finger of the bridegroom's left hand. He then questions the betrothed about their consent, then he girds their heads with two bandages, brings them together by bringing them towards each other, joins their right hands, raises them face to face and reiterates his exhortation to fidelity. Then comes the blessing of the marriage before the removal of the crowns. The priest brings the hands and heads of the bride and groom together then removes the blindfolds and the bride and groom turn towards the holy altar. Then the priest takes a cup of wine in his hand and offers it to the bride and groom and the godfather.
The rituals and symbols that punctuate marriage The big day of the wedding begins with the sounds of zurna (wooden wind instrument) and kopal (large double-headed drum) which invite the congregation to come together. There are several important traditional stages in Armenian marriages that still endure today.
Picture created by Lucie de Maximy
Lavash (flatbread): The mother-in-law places the lavash on the shoulders of the bride and groom as a sign of prosperity and abundance.
Blossoming apple: The groomsman (Azab) holds a special knife named tzaghkatz khndzor all day long. The knife is decorated with an apple at the top, a field of dimes and coins - which were traditionally real gold and silver coins - and sweets which signify the beginning of a sweet life for the new couple.
Master of the Toasts: Many toasts are made while the godfather and the mother-in-law express beautiful words of appreciation for the bride and groom, followed by poetry and songs.
The bride's dowry: The bride's family presents various items to the groom's family, including a blanket for the bed, a tablecloth, a blanket for the baby, and a silk rug (considered the masterpiece of dowry !). All these pieces, handmade by the bride, are symbols of her patience.
The dances: They punctuate the highlights of the reception. Among them is Yarkhushta, during which men face each other in pairs and quickly approach each other, producing an irresistible rush of adrenaline for dancers and spectators. We can also cite Sasnapar and Shurjpar. The Armenian wedding ceremony is probably the most symbolic in the world. It alone expresses the culture, history and traditions of this country.
Article written by Elisabeth Perdrix