Easter in Ashtarak, Armenia
Easter, Ashtarak, Aragatsotn Region, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia 1999
Feeling a bit lazy and didn’t do anything for Easter this year, and not least since I’m also not religious — on a good day I’m agnostic, but for most of the time, atheist. However, it is an important event in Armenia and so, here’s some pics taken from the first Easter celebration I attended in Ashtarak in 1999, and also from last year in Kond. Meanwhile, for more on the holiday itself, Zarchka has posted something.
Easter is one of the important Christian holydays. In Armenian it’s called “Zatik”, which means “Harutyan ton” (Resurrection holiday). Easter is in remembrance of the last days of Christ and his Crucifixion. 48 days before Easter people usually fast and the idea of Lent is for people to give up certain pleasures and perhaps make some sacrifices in remembrance of suffering of Christ. Sometimes egg symbolizes the tomb from which Christ rose after his death, sometimes it symbolizes the whole world. The continual rebirth of physical life on earth symbolizes the eternity of spiritual life. This day people attend church services, mainly those who fast.
Easter, Ashtarak, Aragatsotn Region, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia 1999
It is amazing how bright and colorful these pictures are! Thanks for sharing them with us.
Comment by Myrthe — April 16, 2006 @ 9:20 pm
I scanned these pics in today for Hetq. Was feeling too lazy to go and shoot new material today and anyway, it’s about time these pics were used. More images from Ashtarak in 1999 should be used on tomorrow’s Hetq Online — http://www.hetq.am.
Comment by Onnik — April 17, 2006 @ 12:28 am
Wow!! How beautiful!!!!
Comment by Freedom — April 18, 2006 @ 1:28 am
It seems from children photos that they were joyful for “Zadik”.
Comment by Garo Sernaz — April 20, 2006 @ 2:35 am