Armenian Symbols

Mt. Ararat - Symbol of National Identity:

Biblical Mount Ararat, situated outside modern Armenia, remains a lasting emblem of the nation's identity. It holds historical and cultural significance, glorified in Armenian songs and poetry, occupying a central place in the Armenian National Emblem alongside Noah’s ark.

  View of Mount Ararat from Yerevan by Martiros Sarian

Khachkar - The Cross-Stone:

One of Armenia's most iconic symbols is the khachkar, an intricately carved cross-stone scattered throughout the landscape. Serving as memorials and cultural expressions, each khachkar tells a story through detailed carvings of crosses, rosettes, and ornate patterns.

Me and two khachkars! Tsaghats Kar monastic complex

Eternity Symbol:

The Armenian eternity symbol (swastika), known as "Arevakhach," is a timeless motif representing eternity or immortality. Crafted with interwoven threads forming an endless knot, it appears in Armenian art, architecture, and jewelry, embodying the enduring spirit of the Armenian people.

Armenian eternity symbol

Pomegranate - Symbol of Fertility and Good Fortune:

The pomegranate carries significant cultural symbolism in Armenia, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and good fortune. Its deep red hue is often associated with life and vitality, featured in traditional Armenian embroidery, ceramics, movies, and ancient manuscripts.

Arev - The Sun:

In the pre-Christian era, when Armenia practiced paganism, Mihr was a sun god symbolizing light, justice, and truth. The Garni Temple, built in the 1st century CE, is believed to have been dedicated to Mihr. Even today, the sun retains its symbolic meaning and can often be seen in Armenian art, architecture, and culture. The word Arev, meaning "sun" in Armenian, symbolizes light, warmth, and life in Armenian mythology and spirituality.

This aluminum sculpture of Mother Armenia, also known as Arevik (a diminutive form of the word "sun"), was created by Adibek Grigoryan in 1976. The monument, depicting an Armenian woman with outstretched arms framed by sun-like rays, once symbolized the warm and welcoming spirit of Armenia.

Dragons:

Armenian folklore features dragons and serpents, powerful and mythical creatures associated with danger and protection. They appear in epic tales, on rugs, and in architecture. Moreover, the oldest Armenian monuments are called “Vishap,” which is the Armenian word for dragon.

A bas-relief by Artashes Hovsepyan on the wall of the Ararat Brandy Company! We see not only a dragon slain by Vahagn (in this case, it symbolizes evil) but also a sun! Vahagn's hair forms a sun!

Grapes:

Deeply rooted in Armenia's cultural heritage, grapes symbolize resilience, fertility, and hospitality. Revered for millennia, they play a central role in Armenian winemaking, featured not only in arts but also in architecture, embodying the spirit of the land and contributing to Armenia's ancient culture.

Apricots:

The apricot, scientifically known as Prunus armeniaca, derives its name from the Latin Mala armeniaca, meaning "Armenian plum." Today, the apricot stands as a symbol of Armenia, deeply embedded in its cuisine, art, and even subtly represented in the orange hue of the national flag. It embodies prosperity, fertility, and the warmth of the sun, reflecting the enduring and resilient spirit of the Armenian people.

Conclusion:

Armenian symbols, beyond artistic expressions, carry profound meanings linking the past with the present. Each symbol narrates a story, encapsulating the resilience, spirituality, and cultural richness of the Armenian people. As these symbols are celebrated and preserved, they contribute to the vibrant mosaic that is Armenian heritage.