Armenian, with its rich history and unique alphabet, is a language that carries the soul of its people through centuries of culture and tradition. One of the most delightful aspects of learning a new language is discovering how people express joy, happiness, and celebration. In Armenian, expressions of celebration are deeply rooted in cultural practices, religious ceremonies, and everyday life. This article explores various phrases and expressions that Armenians use to convey celebration, joy, and well-wishes.
General Expressions of Celebration
Celebrations in Armenia are often marked with a variety of expressions that convey happiness and excitement. Here are some commonly used phrases:
1. Շնորհավոր (Shnorhavor) – This is the general word for “Congratulations” or “Happy,” and it is used in a variety of contexts. Whether it’s a birthday, an accomplishment, or a holiday, “Shnorhavor” is the go-to word.
2. Շնորհավորանք (Shnorhavorank) – This noun form means “congratulations” and is often used in more formal settings or written communications.
3. Տոնդ շնորհավոր (Tond shnorhavor) – This phrase means “Happy holiday” and is used to wish someone well during holidays. “Տոն” (Ton) means “holiday” or “festival.”
4. Առողջություն (Arroghchootyoon) – While this word means “health,” it is often used as a toast or a well-wish, similar to “Cheers!” in English.
Celebrating Birthdays
Birthdays are special occasions in Armenian culture, and there are specific phrases to mark this joyous event:
1. Ծնունդդ շնորհավոր (Tsnundd shnorhavor) – This means “Happy birthday.” “Ծնունդ” (Tsnund) means “birth” or “birthday.”
2. Ծնունդդ շնորհավոր լինի (Tsnundd shnorhavor lini) – This phrase translates to “May your birthday be happy.”
3. Շնորհավոր ծնունդ (Shnorhavor tsnund) – Another way to say “Happy birthday.”
4. Երկար կյանք (Yerkar kyanq) – This means “Long life,” a common birthday wish hoping for the celebrant’s longevity.
Wedding Celebrations
Weddings in Armenia are grand affairs filled with joy, music, and dancing. Here are some expressions commonly used during weddings:
1. Շնորհավոր հարսանիք (Shnorhavor harsaniq) – This means “Happy wedding.” “Հարսանիք” (Harsaniq) means “wedding.”
2. Մաղթում եմ ձեզ երջանկություն (Maghtoom em dzez yerjankootyoon) – This translates to “I wish you happiness,” a heartfelt wish for the couple’s future.
3. Երջանիկ ամուսնական կյանք (Yerjaneek amusnakan kyanq) – This means “Happy married life.”
4. Սիրո եւ երջանկության (Siro yev yerjankootyan) – This phrase means “To love and happiness,” often used as a toast during wedding celebrations.
Holiday Celebrations
Armenians celebrate a variety of holidays, both religious and secular, each with its own unique expressions and traditions.
New Year and Christmas
Armenians celebrate New Year (Նոր տարի, Nor tari) on January 1st and Christmas (Սուրբ ծնունդ, Soorp tsnund) on January 6th. Here are some common expressions used during these holidays:
1. Շնորհավոր Նոր տարի (Shnorhavor Nor tari) – This means “Happy New Year.”
2. Բարի Ամանոր (Bari Amanor) – Another way to say “Happy New Year,” with “Բարի” (Bari) meaning “good” or “happy.”
3. Շնորհավոր Սուրբ Ծնունդ (Shnorhavor Soorp Tsnund) – This translates to “Merry Christmas.”
4. Ամանորի եւ Սուրբ Ծննդյան առթիվ (Amanori yev Soorp Tsnundyan artiv) – This phrase means “On the occasion of the New Year and Christmas,” often used in written greetings.
Easter
Easter (Զատիկ, Zatik) is one of the most important religious holidays in Armenia. Here are some expressions used during Easter:
1. Քրիստոս հարյավ ի մեռելոց (Khristos haryav i merelots) – This means “Christ is risen from the dead,” a traditional Easter greeting.
2. Օրհնյալ է հարությունը Քրիստոսի (Orhnyal e harootyoony Khristosi) – This phrase translates to “Blessed is the resurrection of Christ.”
3. Շնորհավոր Զատիկ (Shnorhavor Zatik) – This means “Happy Easter.”
Other Celebrations
Armenians have a variety of other celebrations, each with its unique expressions.
1. Մարտի 8 (Marti 8) – International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th. The phrase “Մարտի 8” is used to wish women a happy day.
2. Վարդավառ (Vardavar) – This is a summer festival involving water fights. “Շնորհավոր Վարդավառ” (Shnorhavor Vardavar) means “Happy Vardavar.”
3. Հանրապետության օր (Hanrapetootyan or) – Republic Day is celebrated on May 28th. “Շնորհավոր Հանրապետության օր” (Shnorhavor Hanrapetootyan or) means “Happy Republic Day.”
Expressions of Good Wishes
Beyond specific celebrations, Armenians use various phrases to express good wishes in daily life.
1. Հաջողություն (Hajoghootyoon) – This means “Good luck.”
2. Բարեբախտություն (Barebakhtootyoon) – This translates to “Good fortune.”
3. Երջանկություն (Yerjankootyoon) – This word means “Happiness.”
4. Առողջություն (Arroghchootyoon) – As mentioned earlier, this word means “Health” and is often used in toasts and well-wishes.
Expressions of Gratitude and Appreciation
Expressions of gratitude and appreciation are also essential in Armenian culture, especially during celebrations and gatherings.
1. Շնորհակալություն (Shnorhakalootyoon) – This means “Thank you.”
2. Շատ շնորհակալություն (Shat shnorhakalootyoon) – This means “Thank you very much.”
3. Շնորհակալ եմ (Shnorhakal em) – Another way to say “Thank you.”
4. Հաճելի է (Hajeli e) – This phrase means “It is pleasant” or “It is nice,” often used in response to compliments or kind gestures.
Conclusion
Learning the expressions of celebration in Armenian not only enriches your vocabulary but also provides a deeper understanding of Armenian culture and traditions. These phrases are more than just words; they are a reflection of the values, beliefs, and joys of the Armenian people. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, a wedding, or a holiday, using these expressions will help you connect more meaningfully with Armenian speakers and participate in their joyous occasions.
As you continue your journey in learning Armenian, remember that language is a bridge to culture. By mastering these expressions of celebration, you are not just learning to speak Armenian; you are embracing the warmth and hospitality that define the Armenian spirit. So, the next time you find yourself in an Armenian celebration, don’t hesitate to use these phrases and join in the joy!
