Experience the rich traditions and delicious food of Armenian Christmas - a celebration that will leave you feeling merry and full!
Get ready to celebrate Armenian Christmas on January 6, a joyous and unique holiday that is observed by Armenians all over the world. This holiday, also known as the Feast of the Nativity, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with traditional rituals and customs that have been passed down for generations. One interesting fact about Armenian Christmas is that it falls on a different date than other Christian denominations because the Armenian Church follows its own calendar, known as the Julian Calendar. So let's learn more about this vibrant and meaningful holiday and spread some cheer in honor of this special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>301 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Armenia Accepts Christianity</div><div class='timeline-text'>Armenia becomes the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion, setting the stage for Christian holidays to become nationally celebrated.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>4th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Celebration on January 6</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 4th Century, the Armenian Apostolic Church begins celebrating Christ’s Nativity, Baptism, and Revelation on January 6.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Middle Ages</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Christmas Separates from Theophany</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the Middle Ages, Western Churches separated Christ's birth (Christmas) celebration on December 25, from Theophany, but Armenian Church continues the historical date.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Soviet Suppression Period</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the Soviet era, Christmas and other religious holidays were suppressed, but privately celebrated amongst Armenians.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Armenia's Independence and Religious Revival</div><div class='timeline-text'>With Armenia gaining independence from the Soviet Union, religious freedom was restored, and Christmas celebrations became public again.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an Armenian Christmas service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Start the day off by attending a traditional Armenian Christmas service, where you can experience beautiful music and worship with the Armenian community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn to make traditional Armenian dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day learning how to make traditional Armenian dishes like stuffed grape leaves or baklava. You can even invite friends and family over to enjoy your creations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate with traditional Armenian symbols</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Incorporate traditional Armenian symbols like the pomegranate or the khachkar into your decorations to celebrate and honor the culture and history of the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an Armenian cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community events calendar for any Armenian cultural events happening around Christmas time. You may find a festival, concert, or art exhibit to attend and celebrate the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an Armenian Christmas party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for a festive Armenian Christmas party complete with traditional food, music, and dancing. This is a great way to share the holiday with loved ones.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of heritage and tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Armenian Christmas, also known as Armenian Orthodox Christmas, is celebrated on January 6th in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for Armenian families to come together and celebrate their cultural roots and religious beliefs through traditional customs and rituals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>The food is amazing</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>No Armenian Christmas celebration is complete without an abundance of delicious food. Traditional dishes like stuffed grape leaves, kebabs, pilaf, and baklava are enjoyed with family and friends during this festive holiday. And let's not forget about the famous apricot-filled bread called "Christmas Choreg" - it's a must-try!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Armenian Christmas is a time for love, joy, and togetherness. Families often gather for elaborate feasts and exchange gifts, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories. It's a beautiful holiday that reminds us of the importance of family and community.</p></div></div>
Armenian Christmas is celebrated on January 6th every year. In 2024 Armenian Christmas will occur on a Saturday.
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Jan 6
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2024
Jan 6
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2025
Jan 6
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2026
Jan 6
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Wednesday