Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday in Armenia, known as "Zatik," is one of the most significant and joyous religious holidays in the country, celebrated by the Armenian Apostolic Church. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over death. The date of Easter in Armenia is determined by the Julian calendar, often differing from the Gregorian calendar used by many Western Christian denominations. Preparations for Easter begin with Great Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, is marked by special church services, including the symbolic washing of feet, the Last Supper, and the crucifixion. On Easter Sunday, Armenians attend a midnight or early morning church service, where the resurrection is proclaimed with the lighting of candles and the singing of hymns. A central tradition of Armenian Easter is the blessing of "matsun" (yogurt) and "choreg" (sweet bread), which are shared among family and friends. Families gather for festive meals featuring dishes like roasted lamb, rice pilaf, and dyed red eggs, symbolizing the blood of Christ and new life. The cracking of eggs, a playful game, is also a cherished custom. Easter Sunday in Armenia is a time of spiritual reflection, family unity, and cultural pride, blending religious devotion with ancient traditions that have been passed down through generations.