The Nativity of Christ

The Nativity of Christ commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, and is celebrated on January 6 by Armenian Christians. Although most Christian denominations celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25, the Armenian branch of the Christian Church has long held to the date of January 6.

Many people wonder why Armenian and Eastern Orthodox churches don't celebrate Christmas on December 25 like other Christians. They ask why the date was changed. The fact is that January 6 (or January 13 under the old Julian Calendar) was the date chosen early in the third century to celebrate the natal day of Christ.

In the vey early years of the Church, the birthday of Christ was not celebrated at all. In fact, historians and Biblical scholars are unable to pinpoint a date for this world-changing event, as it is not recorded in the Bible, or other ancient sources. Biblical scholars however, are fairly unanimous in their feelings that neither the December nor the January date is correct.

During the first few centuries of Christendom, while Christianity was still gaining a foothold in Roman culture, there were many pagan festivals still being celebrated. One of these was the very important Sol Invictus, the day of the Sun. Superstitious early peoples, who had no scientific learning to speak of, were afraid every year as the days grew shorter, that perhaps the sun would die completely. So on December 25, as it became apparent that the days were indeed growing longer, they held a celebration for the returning sun. In the fourth century, the celebration of Christmas was moved to this day.

There are two theories as to why the date was changed. One is that the Christian celebrations would overshadow the pagan festival, which is what essentially happened as Christianity grew in strength and numbers. The other is that since Christians were still being persecuted to some extent, that their celebration of Christmas would go unnoticed and would draw no attention to themselves amid the general rejoicing during this huge festival.

The Nativity of Christ is also called the Feast of Theophany, which is Greek for "God shining forth". This divine revelation of God showing himself to the people is seen as the major theme of Armenian Christmas, rather than "Baby Jesus" as is celebrated by most Western Christians. This feast day commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan as well as the day of his birth. The baptism of Jesus is commonly seen in all Christian denominations as the beginning of the time of Jesus' ministry. A ceremony called "the Blessing of the Waters" occurs during the liturgical celebration in remembrance of the baptism.

The Advent season, the fifty days leading up to the Feast, is similar in some ways to Lent in other Christian churches. It is a time of repentance and fasting. Many people eat a vegetarian or pescatarian (vegetables and fish--no meat) diet during this time, and often only take one meal a day. On Saturday evenings at sunset, a purple candle is lit, similar to Advent wreath tradition in Western churches, and prayers are said. During Advent, there is a lot of visiting with friends and family, and sharing of meals. It's also a time to show charity to the poor and needy, especially by sharing food.

On the Eve of the Feast of the Nativity, all seven candles are lit, and the family goes to church at sunset. Afterward, there is a big meal at home, usually a fish meal, with a large bowl of the traditional pudding, called Anushabour, for dessert. It is adorned with a star made of almonds to symbolism the star seen by the Magi. Before going to bed, everyone places their shoes outside the doorway. The Magi leave small gifts, special holiday candies, and pomegranates in the shoes in honor of the Nativity.

The next day, Christmas, there is another big meal. This time meat is allowed as the season of Advent has ended. In Armenia and other parts of the Middle East, lamb is traditional for the Christmas dinner, while Armenian families in America usually have turkey.