KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

The Student Council of the Faculty of Educational Psychology and Sociology of Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) celebrated on February 13 the Festival of Tiarn’ndaraj (also known as Trndez or Candlemas Day), one of the most beloved holidays in Armenia, especially among newly-weds.

Sitting around the traditional table, the students and lecturers of the Faculty were first introduced to the meaning and symbol of the holiday. They stressed the importance of this Christian feast and interpreted the traditions connected with the holiday.

This was followed by lavish hospitality during with ritual dishes were served. The celebration later continued in the yard of the university where students and lecturers made a traditional bonfire symbolizing the light of Christ, joined hands in a circle around the bonfire and jumped over the flames.

The games and traditional rituals organized on the occasion of the holiday made the day even more colorful.

The Dean of the Faculty, Ruzanna Petrosyan, thanked the organizers and assured everyone that t is very important to preserve the traditions and holidays of the Armenian Apostolic Church, know their symbol and meaning. “Such initiatives are important for the maintenance of Armenian families. Observance of religious holidays should start at an early age and be transferred from one generation to the other.”