Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6th, combining the Nativity with Epiphany in traditions that date back to early Christianity.
While most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th, Armenians observe the holiday on January 6th—a practice dating back to early Christianity that combines the Nativity with Epiphany in a unique celebration.
## Why January 6th?
The Armenian Church never adopted the December 25th date that Western churches established in the 4th century. Instead, it maintains the original Christian practice of celebrating Christ's birth and baptism together on January 6th.
In early Christianity, January 6th commemorated both events. The Western church later separated them, moving the Nativity to December 25th (previously a pagan festival) and keeping Epiphany on January 6th. The Armenian Church preserved the original unified celebration.
## The Eve of Christmas (Chrakalouyts)
Armenian Christmas begins on the evening of January 5th with Chrakalouyts, the "Lighting of the Lamps." Families attend evening church services where candles are lit and the Nativity story is proclaimed.
Traditional customs include:
- Lighting candles in church and carrying them home
- Opening doors and windows to let in the Christmas spirit
- Gathering for prayer and reflection
## Christmas Day Celebrations
January 6th begins with the Divine Liturgy, one of the most important services of the Armenian Church year. The service commemorates both Christ's birth and his baptism by John the Baptist.
After church, families gather for the Christmas feast. Traditional foods often include:
- Anoush abour (sweet soup with dried fruits and nuts)
- Fish (symbolizing early Christianity)
- Rice pilaf with dried fruits
- Dolma and other Armenian specialties
- Gata (sweet bread) with a hidden coin
## The Blessing of Water
A distinctive Armenian Christmas tradition is the Blessing of Water ceremony, commemorating Christ's baptism. The priest blesses water, often a large vessel placed in the church. The faithful take this holy water home, believing it has purifying and healing properties.
In some communities, priests bless natural water sources—rivers, lakes, or the sea. This dramatic ceremony connects the church to the natural world.
## Armenian Christmas Traditions
Other beloved customs include:
- **Visiting relatives**: Extended families gather, often with the eldest hosting
- **Gift giving**: Though traditionally modest, gifts are exchanged
- **Carol singing**: Children may go house to house singing Christmas carols
- **Charitable giving**: Helping the poor is emphasized
## Differences from Western Christmas
Armenian Christmas differs from Western celebration in several ways:
- The date (January 6th vs December 25th)
- Less commercialization and fewer secular traditions
- Greater emphasis on religious observance
- Combined celebration of birth and baptism
- Often a more solemn, family-centered atmosphere
## Christmas in Armenia Today
In modern Armenia, Christmas has regained importance after Soviet suppression. Churches fill for services; families observe traditional customs. New Year (January 1st) remains a major secular celebration, but Christmas has its distinct spiritual character.
Yerevan decorates for the season, with lights and trees visible throughout the city. The week between New Year and Christmas creates an extended holiday period.
## Diaspora Celebrations
Armenian diaspora communities worldwide maintain January 6th celebrations, even in countries where December 25th dominates. This distinctive date reinforces Armenian identity and preserves ancient Christian practice.
Some diaspora Armenians observe both dates—December 25th with the broader community and January 6th according to Armenian tradition.
## Spiritual Significance
Armenian Christmas emphasizes the theological meaning of Christ's coming. The combination with Epiphany reminds believers that Christ's birth was the beginning of his saving mission, culminating in baptism and ministry.
This focus on spiritual meaning rather than commercialism offers a contemplative alternative to Western Christmas busyness. Armenian Christmas invites reflection on faith, family, and the light entering the world.