Christmas Remembrance Day in Armenia

Christmas Remembrance Day, known as "Merelots" in Armenian, is a significant day in the Armenian Apostolic Church calendar. It falls on the day after Christmas, which is celebrated on January 6th in accordance with the Julian calendar, making Remembrance Day on January 7th.

History and Traditions:

• Historical Context: The tradition is rooted in the early Christian practice of commemorating the dead. It reflects the belief that during religious holidays, the souls of departed loved ones are allowed to visit the earthly world.

• Church Services: On this day, special church services are conducted. Armenians attend Divine Liturgy and participate in memorial services for their deceased relatives.

• Visiting Cemeteries: Families traditionally visit the graves of their departed family members. They often clean tombstones, light candles, and place flowers as a sign of respect and memory.

• Prayers and Offerings: People pray for the souls of their deceased loved ones. It's common to offer food to the poor or donate to charitable causes in memory of those who have passed away.

What People Do:

On Christmas Remembrance Day, Armenians spend time with family members to honor ancestors and loved ones who have died. They may share stories or memories, thereby keeping the spirit of those who have passed alive within their family's collective memory. The day is marked by a sense of solemnity and reflection rather than festivity.