Armenian cultural stereotypes and symbols
I am a native of Armenia. Despite the fact that I grew up in Russia, my parents did their best in order to hold to the traditions of our nation. However, it is impossible for everybody not to feel affected by the culture in which you receive education. That is why now I consider myself to be a bicultural person.
My article is about some Armenian cultural stereotypes and symbols that are essential for me and my family.
The first symbol of Armenia that needs to be described is an Armenian cross – “Khatch” (this word became an offensive nickname of Armenians and sometimes all the representatives of the Caucasian peoples). It is a symbol of our religion. In fact, in the early 4th century, the Kingdom of Armenia became the first state to adopt Christianity as a state religion.
In the whole field of our history, our neighbouring Islamic countries tried to impose their religion on us. For that very reason, Armenian people cherish this symbol.
Since the start of our history over 3000 years ago, we have been the subjects of all kinds of foreign domination, natural disaster, hardships and invasions. There are several symbols are associated with our tragic historical fate. The main symbol is Mount Ararat which is located in Turkey. It symbolizes the loss of the historical motherland and the Armenian Genocide. It is the heart of the historical Greater Armenia, we call this mount “holy” because the Arch of Noah landed on the peak of the Ararat after the Deluge. You can find Ararat everywhere in the Armenian culture: in male names (I am Araratovna), political and social life, in painting and literature.
Endless years of struggle for independence made Armenians born survivors. There are plenty of Armenian sayings about our tragic history:
A pain in the foot is soon forgotten – a pain in the head is not.
Let me take your pain away.
These sayings emphasize such a feature of national character as willingness to sacrifice oneself for the sake of a loved one.
The most common stereotype about Armenians is the stereotype about our hospitality. It is not false indeed. We like get-togethers with friends and family to celebrate special occasions. Armenians enjoy good food; it seems to me, food is one of the most important values. I think many people have heard about Armenian cuisine. A lot of Armenian sayings confirm my point of view:
Talk less, eat more.
I’ll eat your liver (I love you so much that I am ready to eat you alive).
I’ll eat your attractive face (You are so beautiful).
Some people believe that Armenians often like to exaggerate reality. It is also true to some extent. We like making things look bigger, harder and more complicated than they really are. We like to boast about our and not only our achievements. Do you remember the Soviet comedy film “Mimino”? In this film there was an Armenian truck driver Rubik Khachikyan who said that water in his hometown Dilijan is the second purest in the world.
I have mentioned just a few symbols and stereotypes about the Armenian culture, but they are important for us. They are especially essential for those who live far from their homeland.
