Travel Destination Blog

If you are in Armenia or somewhere near it, plan to spend your weekend in this beautiful country. Why? Because on July 11 (98 days after Easter) Armenians celebrate one of the most unique festivals in the world–Vardavar (“vard” meaning “rose” in Armenian).

You won’t find a lot of pagan festivals nowadays, but being an ancient country and having both a pagan and Christian history, Armenia kept this interesting tradition, which you can now enjoy.

It doesn’t matter if you are in the capital city Yerevan or outside it. Wherever you go, you will definitely end up all wet from head to toe. No, it’s not raining. People are pouring water on each other all day long celebrating the day, which was once devoted to the pagan goddess of water and beauty, Astghik.

After adopting Christianity in 301 AD, Armenian King Trdates III started to destroy all the pagan temples and forbade the celebrations of all pagan festivals and holidays. But it turned out to be harder than he had thought. People couldn’t let go of their favorite holidays and accept a completely new religion. That’s why Vardavar was made a Christian festival, even though it has pagan origins.

According to its meaning, Vardavar is associated with the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. Some connect the festival to the Great Flood and Noah’s Ark.

You shouldn’t get surprised or angry if someone splashes water on you from his/her car, or if you receive a cold shower from the third floor of a building or a crowd of kids. The meaning of pouring water onto each other is giving good luck to that person. There is no age limit and any restrictions on that day. Everyone is playful and happy.

Outside the city, in villages and especially at the Garni temple, which is a pagan temple devoted to the god of sun Mihr, Vardavar is celebrated with dances and music. People sacrifice a sheep (just like in pagan times) and let the feast begin! Garni is definitely the best place to visit for Vardavar, where they hold a pagan ceremony. There are also many organized pilgrimages to different churches.

In addition, it’s the right day to give flowers to your beloved. Girls make bouquets from flowers and wheat.

As the main symbols of that day are roses and water, there is a legend connected to Astghik and Vardavar. According to this legend, Astghik’s beloved, Vahag, who was the god of war, was once very badly injured. When Astghik hurried to save him while running barefoot along a road of wild white roses, her blood turned them all red. She would also send water to earth during  droughts.

So, if you are looking for a nice weekend travel destination in July, choose Armenia. I guarantee you are going to have lots of fun on Vardavar. I will be in Garni on Sunday!

Photo: ©  chefranden

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