Culture of Armenia

Part of the series on Armenian culture
	Literature Music Art Language Cuisine Religion History Sports

Over the years Armenia has developed a modern, unique and successful culture. Many aspects of the culture are based on the geography, literature and music of the people. The culture is similar and yet distinct from many of the bordering countries like Russia, Georgia, and Iran as well as Mediterranean nations such as Greece. Armenian culture has strong influences from both its Eastern neighbors, as well as an underlying influence from Europe to the West.

Creative Arts

Literature

Main article: Armenian literature

Literature began in Armenia around 400 A.D. The majority of the literary arts were created by Moses of Khorene, in the 5th century. Through the years the elements of literature have changed as the stories and myths were passed on through generations. During the 19th century, writer Mikael Nalbandian worked to create a new Armenian literary identity. Nalbandian's poem "Song of the Italian Girl" may have been the inspiration for the Armenian national anthem, Mer Hayrenik.

Art

Mother Armenia (Mayr Hayastan) statue, located near Victory Park, in Yerevan.

The National Art Gallery in Yerevan has more than 16,000 works that date back to the Middle Ages, which indicate Armenia's rich tales and stories of the times. It houses paintings by many European masters as well. The Modern Art Museum, the Children’s Picture Gallery, and the Martiros Saryan Museum are only a few of the other noteworthy collections of fine art on display in Yerevan. Moreover, many private galleries are in operation, with many more opening every year, featuring rotating exhibitions and sales.

Lacemaking

Armenian Needlelace circa 2004

Like Lacis Armenian needlelace seems to be an obvious descendant of netmaking. Where lacis adds decorative stitches to a net ground, Armenian needlelace involves making the net itself decorative. There is some archaeological evidence suggesting the use of lace in prehistoric Armenia and the prevalence of pre-christian symbology in traditional designs would certainly suggest a pre-Christian root for this art form.In contrast to Europe where lace was the preserve of the nobility, in Armenia it decorated everything from traditional headscarves to lingerie. Thus lacemaking was part of many women's lives.

Music

Main article: Armenian music

One of the most important parts of Armenian culture is the music, which has in recent years brought new forms of music, while maintaining traditional styles too. This is evidenced by the world-class Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra that performs at the beautifully refurbished Yerevan Opera House, where one can also attend a full season of opera. In addition, several chamber ensembles are highly regarded for their musicianship, including the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia and the Serenade Orchestra. Classical music can also be heard at one of several smaller venues, including the State Music Conservatory and the Chamber Orchestra Hall. Jazz is popular, especially in the summer when live performances are a regular occurrence at one of the city’s many outdoor cafés and parks.

Language

Main article: Armenian language

The Armenian language has been spoken since at least 800 BC, yet it has continued to develop over the centuries. Trade and conquest forced the language to change, adding new words into the people's vocabulary. Literature and books written in Armenian appeared by the 5th century. The written language of that time, called classical Armenian or Grabar, remained the Armenian literary language, with various changes, until the 19th century. Meanwhile, spoken Armenian developed independently of the written language. Many dialects appeared when Armenian communities became separated by geography or politics, and not all of these dialects remained mutually intelligible.

Food

Main article: Armenian cuisine

Armenian cuisine is as ancient as the history of Armenia, a combination of different tastes and aromas. Closely related to eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, various spices, vegetables, fish, and fruits combine to present unique dishes. Throughout history, Armenian cuisine has had cultural exchange with the cuisines of neighboring countries, i.e. Greek, Russian, Turkish, and Arab. Armenia is also famous for its wine, brandy and vodka. In particular, Armenian cognac is renowned worldwide (winner of several awards), and was considered by the late British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, as his favorite.

Sports

Sports have always been popular in Armenia, during the ancient Olympics Armenian princes and nobles often were contestants. Some of the more popular sports are: soccer, tennis, basketball, wrestling, boxing and weight-lifting.

The culture of Armenia:

• Armenian language
• Armenian needlelace
• Khachkar - a unique Armenian form of art. Stones carved with intricate knotwork, and a cross in the center.
• rug weaving
• metalwork
• opera and ballet
• Music of Armenia

Family

Armenians are known for having large and close family bonds. It is very common in Armenian marriages for both the bride and groom to be from the same family and already share the same last name. In Armenia there are no laws concerning marriage of first cousins, half-sisers, half-brothers, etc. It has been long standing tradition in Armenia to tighten family bonds through interfamily marriage. This cultural practice was misunderstood by the UN and condemed in 1999. [1]

External links

• Armenian dances, from parev.net

• CHRONICLING 12,000 YEARS OF THE ARMENIAN CIVILIZATION

• CARAHUNGE IN ARMENIA "7500 BC" SAME AS STONEHENCH IN ENGLAND "3500 BC" 4000 YEARS YOUNGER

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