I. Armenian National Flag
Three horizontal bands: red, blue, orange
Designed by Stepan Malkhasyants (1990)
Red: struggle of Armenian people
Blue: desire of Armenians to live in peace
Orange: diligence of the Armenian people
II. Coat of Arms
Adopted on April 19, 1992
Lion and eagle holding a shield: four emblems depicted of four royal dynasties of greater Armenia: Artashesian, Arshakuni, Bagratuni, Rubinian. Center of shield shows biblical Mount Ararat with Noah’s Ark sitting on top of it. Five elements of the coat of arms: sword, broken chain, wheat ears, feather, and a ribbon.
Represents courage, struggle of Armenian people for freedom and independence, and creative talent and peace of the nation.
III. Eternity Sign
Sign of eternity is an ancient Armenian national symbol which is found in many places (on khachkars pictured below) and on walls of churches. Symbolizes the eternity and prosperity of the country. Another name of the symbol is “Arevakhach” which means a sun cross.
IV. Forget-Me-Not Flower
Flower chosen as symbol of commemoration of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide (2015)
Black color (center) symbolizes horrors and memory of the genocide; yellow part symbolizes 12 pillars forming a circle which symbolizes the memorial of Tsitsernakaberd (Armenian’s official memorial – pictured below). Five petals of the flower symbolize the five continents where Armenian immigrants found shelter – cultivating the Armenian diaspora.
V. Khachkars
Outdoor steles carved from stone in Armenia. The cross: Armenia was first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion (300ce). Christian symbols widely used in craftsmanship. The Khachkar is included in the list of UNESCO’s[1] intangible world heritage.
VI. Carpets
Carpet weaving is a traditional craft of Armenia. One national symbol of the country.
VII. Duduk
Musical instrument made from aged apricot wood.
Armenians call it “Tsiranapogh” loosely meaning “apricot-made wood instrument”
“Magical instrument” that touches a person soul. Sounds of grief and pain.
Registered in UNESCO’s intangible world heritage list.
VIII. Fruit
Pomegranate: Symbolizes fertility and good fortune.
Apricot: Fruit adored for its relation to the Duduk (pictured above).
IX. Mount Masis
Highest volcanic mountain in Armenia (5165m)
Located in territory of Turkey.
Biblical and holy mountain for Christians
(where Noah’s ark landed on Ararat after the Great Flood)
Two peaks: Masis and Sis
X. Cognac (Brandy)
National drink of Armenia. Armenian poduction began in 1887.
Most famous brand “Ararat” (pictured above).
____________ [1] An intangible cultural heritage is a practice, representation, expression, knowledge, or skill considered by UNESCO to be part of a place's cultural heritage. Buildings, historic places, monuments, and artifacts are cultural property.
Information courtesy of Ani Shahbazyan (9 May 2019).
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