Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Armenia Water Splashing Festivity in July

Imagine you walking in the street in summer heat and suddenly a group of children or teenagers come up to you running and pour pails of water over you…..You are astonished, confused and do not know what to do, if you are in Germany, France, Russia or elsewhere. Nevertheless if you are in Armenia, the only thing to do is just smile and laugh from the heart…

IT’S VARDAVAR !!!

Armenia Summer Festivity Vardavar is the most favorite and most joyful event – ancient tradition of water splashing. Armenia traditions, including Vardavar has long history connected to pagan Goddess Astghik. According to legend she spread love on earth, walking over roses that turn red from her blood. As goddess of fertility she was associated with water.

Vardavar festivities are children’s most expected and favorite summer activity. Starting early morning till late night everyone play, splashing water on each other. Even submissive and quiet brides would throw water on their mothers-in-law! Nobody is offended or angered by this. In the country-side areas men like to collect wheatear in the fields and take to the church for blessing. Women assemble multi-colored bouquets of flowers and throw them to the gardens and yards of their relatives and neighbors. Dances and songs, jokes and plays are part of the Summer Festivity Vardavar.

Vardavar is a great vacation tour opportunity, visiting villages of Armenia, meeting people, participating in traditional music and dance party and sharing the joy. Festivity days are changing each year calculated 98 days after Easter, always on Sundays.