The most beloved and anticipated holiday for all Christians is Easter – the Holy Resurrection of Christ. Armenians, as well as Christians of the whole world, await this holiday with trepidation.

Easter in Armenian is called Surb Zatik, which means “liberation”, “freedom”. In Armenia, Christians at Easter say: “Christ rose from the dead” and in response, they hear: “Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ.” The main teaching of Christianity is the idea of resurrection.

Until the 4th century, on Easter day the church celebrated the crucifixion of Christ. Since the 4th century, the church has shifted its focus: Christians began to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.

When is Easter celebrated in Armenia?

For many years, there have been disputes over the date of the celebration of Easter. Easter day depends on the lunar calendar, and in connection with this, the date of the celebration is not fixed. According to apostolic laws, Easter is celebrated 40 days after Lent ends. As a rule, this is the period from March 21 to April 26. This year Easter in Armenia is celebrated on April 12.

How Armenians celebrate Easter?

Saturday night begins the celebration. Services begin in temples, candles are lit after service. Sunday begins with the service of the Easter Matins. All four cardinal points are illuminated. Believers can give friends and relatives gifts with the words: „Christ is risen“. Festive tables are set in their homes.

Traditional Easter table in Armenia

The festive Easter table consists of the following dishes: boiled or baked fish – a symbol of Christ; rice pilaf with dried apricots, prunes and raisins – a symbol of Christianity and Christians; dishes from different greens (aveluk, spinach, sorrel) – fertility and the birth of a new life; pita bread – thin tortilla, traditional Armenian bread; colored eggs (red) – symbolize the coffin and resurrection, red wine is the blood of Christ. Red wine is the drink that Christ drank with his disciples. At his last supper, Jesus broke bread, thanked the Father, and distributed to the apostles.

Chefs say that a real Armenian should drink wine from a clay bowl that preserves the degree of the drink, gives it a special aroma, as well as useful properties.

Armenian Easter traditions

One of the ancient traditions that have come down to the present is the Aklatiz doll, decorated with 49 stones and onions. This Easter attribute symbolizes good fortune for home and family.

The Utis-tat figurine is considered the symbol of Easter in Armenia, its place in the kitchen as a symbol of the mistress of the house. In ancient times, every Armenian girl should have been able to make such a figure. Utis-tat also had an educational goal, so that children grow up in the spirit of national traditions.

Despite the fact that in our time, many housewives put Easter cake on the table, traditionally, Armenian Easter the main cooked sweet dessert is considered gata.

Armenia was the first country to officially adopt Christianity in 301. The vast majority of the population are Christians. Celebrate Easter holidays 2022 in Armenia, because the guests of Armenia will feel the special atmosphere of love and goodwill.