The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas on January 6th. On this occasion HayPost released a new postage stamp dedicated to the theme “New Year and Christmas”. Designed by Rem Saakyan, this special item depicts fur-trees, snow-covered hills and the silhouette of Santa Clause’s sleigh riding in the night sky.
On Christmas Eve, Armenians light their homes and churches with candles to illuminate the end of dark days and long nights. Christmas Day is known to Armenians as Water Blessing Day to commemorate Christ’s baptism; holy water, blessed by the head priest, is shared with families in the community.
Some Armenians fast in the week before Christmas. The Christmas Eve meal is called khetum 'Խթում'. It often includes dishes such as rice, fish, nevik 'նուիկ' (green chard and chick peas) and yogurt/wheat soup called tanabur 'թանապուր'. Desserts include dried fruits and nuts, rojik (whole shelled walnuts threaded on a string and encased in grape jelly), bastukh (a paper-like dessert made of grape jelly, cornstarch and flour). This lighter menu is designed to ease the stomach off the week-long fast and prepare it for the larger Christmas Day dinner. Children take presents of fruits, nuts, and other candies to older relatives.
Take a look at other beautiful Christmas stamps.
