New Year's Day in Armenia

Date: New Year's Day in Armenia is celebrated on January 1st, as in many other countries around the world, marking the start of the Gregorian calendar year.

History: The tradition of celebrating the New Year has ancient roots in Armenian culture with pagan festivities marking the rebirth of the sun. However, modern New Year celebrations were largely influenced by Soviet customs during the era of the Soviet Union. After gaining independence in 1991, Armenia continued to embrace and evolve these traditions.

Traditions:

• Dzmer Pap (Winter Father): Similar to Santa Claus, Dzmer Pap is a beloved figure who brings gifts to children.
• Festive Meals: Families prepare lavish feasts that include traditional dishes such as dolma, khorovats (Armenian barbecue), and an array of salads and desserts.
• Toasting: Sharing toasts among family and friends is a common practice to wish each other prosperity and health.
• Decorations: Homes are decorated with lights, trees (New Year trees), and other festive ornaments.
• Gift Exchange: Exchanging gifts is a central part of the celebration, focusing on generosity and thoughtfulness.

What People Do: New Year's Day is often spent visiting friends and relatives. It’s common for these visits to continue for the first week of January. People also attend church services to mark the occasion spiritually. It's a time for reflection on the past year and hope for the coming one. The celebration usually starts on New Year’s Eve and continues through January 1st, with many festivities extending until January 6th for Armenian Christmas (Surb Tsnund).

In summary, New Year's Day in Armenia is a blend of cultural traditions that combines festive meals, family gatherings, and gift-giving with ancient customs and modern practices symbolizing hope for a prosperous new year.