ARMENIANS STARTED CELEBRATE NEW YEAR ON JANUARY 1 IN 18TH CENTURY

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 30, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenians called New Year "Amanor"
("am" meant "year" in ancient Armenian, and "nor" means "new") or
Navasard ("nav" means "new" and "sard" – "year" in Indian). This
holiday was called differently in various Armenian regions – Taremut,
Tareglukh or Kaghand. Ancient Armenians used to celebrate New Year in
summer. In the 18th century they started to celebrate New Year on
January 1 by the calendar of the Catholicos of All Armenian Simeon
Yerevantsi. Many nations decorate Christmas trees, which symoloize the
Tree of Life in the Paradise, while stars on the top of Christmas
trees – the Star of Bethlehem. The most desired guest Dzmer Pap (Santa
Claus) comes with his presents. He was Partriarch Saint Nicolas the
Miracle-Worker who was born in the family of rich, pious and virtuous
people in 280 in the province of Likia in Asia Minor. Nicolas the
Mircale-Worker was a kind and generous man always ready to help those
in need, he took care of children, gave them presents. Sain Nicolas
was the saint of children. According to astrologer Hranush Kharatian,
Armenians used to prepare for New Year several months before this
holiday. In autumn they preserved dried fruits and nuts for their New
Year tables. It is noteworthy that January 1 falls on the week of
Armenian Christmas and it is a fast day so many dishes contain food
suitable for observing fasting. People bake bread to start the new
year with new bread. Besides, ritual bread is baked in various regions
of Armenia. By tradition, some small "sign" is put in this ritual
bread and divided among family members: the new year will bring good
luck to the person who gets this sign.