Learn names of the seasons and months of the year in Armenian
Seasons of the year in Armenian
Գարուն (Spring)
Meaning: Garun comes from old Armenian and refers to renewal, rebirth, and blossoming. Spring is symbolic of fertility and hope, tied to the start of agricultural activities.
Cultural Significance: Many Armenian festivals, such as Trndez (a fire-lighting ceremony in February, close to spring), are linked to the anticipation of growth and prosperity. The Armenian Apostolic Church also celebrates Easter in spring, a key religious event.
Ամառ (Summer)
Meaning: Amar signifies warmth and abundance. It’s the time when farmers harvest crops such as apricots, a fruit deeply associated with Armenian identity.
Cultural Significance: Summer is a time for outdoor activities and festivals. Armenia’s Vardavar, a water-splashing festival in July, has pagan origins linked to the goddess Astghik and was later adapted by Christianity.
Աշուն (Autumn)
Meaning: Ashun represents the end of the agricultural cycle and the gathering of fruits. The term itself carries undertones of maturity and completion.
Cultural Significance: The Harvest Festival in Armenia is a key part of autumn, celebrating the abundance of grapes, pomegranates, and other produce. This season is also tied to the wine-making tradition, which has been practiced for thousands of years in Armenia.
Ձմեռ (Winter)
Meaning: Dzmer denotes cold and snow, reflecting Armenia’s often harsh winters, especially in mountainous regions.
Cultural Significance: Winter is marked by Christmas and New Year celebrations. Armenians celebrate Surp Dznund (Holy Nativity) on January 6, combining Christmas and Epiphany traditions. It’s a time for family, feasting, and prayer.
Months in Armenian
January (Հունվար – Hunvar)
Derived from Januarius, honoring the Roman god Janus, associated with beginnings. In Armenia, January is tied to New Year and Christmas traditions.
February (Փետրվար – Petrvar)
Derived from Februarius, linked to purification rites. In Armenia, this month sees the end of winter celebrations, like Trndez, symbolizing light and warmth.
March (Մարտ – Mart)
Named after Mars, the Roman god of war. For Armenians, it heralds spring and the planting season, reflecting ancient ties to agriculture.
April (Ապրիլ – April)
From Aprillis, linked to blossoming. Armenians associate April with renewal, but also with remembrance, as April 24 is the Armenian Genocide Memorial Day.
May (Մայիս – Mayis)
From Maius, honoring the goddess Maia. May is celebrated for its lush greenery and flowers, and it includes Victory Day (May 9), commemorating Armenia’s role in World War II.
June (Հունիս – Hunis) and July (Հուլիս – Hulis)
Both months derive from the Roman names for Juno and Julius Caesar, respectively. In Armenia, these are peak agricultural months and times of vibrant celebrations like Vardavar.
August (Օգոստոս – Ogostos)
Named after Augustus Caesar, this is harvest time in Armenia. Traditional festivals honor the gathering of fruits, particularly the famous Armenian apricot.
September (Սեպտեմբեր – September)
From Septem, meaning seven in Latin. This is a significant month in Armenia as it marks Independence Day (September 21), commemorating Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
October (Հոկտեմբեր – Hoktember)
From Octo, meaning eight. October is a time for wine and food festivals, celebrating Armenia’s ancient culinary and viticultural traditions.
November (Նոյեմբեր – Noyember)
From Novem, meaning nine. This month is quieter, marking the preparation for winter.