13/02/2024 Garni, Armenia. Armenians congregate outside Saint Holy Mother of God Church in Garni, Armenia to observe Trndez, a tradition rooted in Zoroastrian heritage. This celebration, intertwined with the reverence for the sun and fire, symbolizes the onset of spring and fertility. Numerous folk beliefs are associated with this cherished holiday, particularly for newlyweds who partake in the ritual of jumping over flames; it is believed that being touched by the fire foretells imminent parenthood. Additionally, it is widely acknowledged that Trndez marks the beginning of warmer weather.
Trndez's history is well-documented, tracing back to its Zoroastrian and Pagan origins, which revolved around the veneration of the sun and fire. With Armenia's embrace of Christianity, the name evolved from "Derendez" to "Tearnyndaraj," meaning "to come to meet the Lord, (Jesus Christ)." The term itself, Trndez, translates to "the Lord is with you." Observers typically engage in church ceremonies followed by the lighting of bonfires, symbolizing the divine light and warmth of the Lord. This event holds significance for both the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic Churches, commemorating the purification and heralding the arrival of spring, precisely 40 days after the birth of Jesus.
Trndez, also recognized as Candelmas Day in the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic traditions, holds special importance as a feast of purification occurring 40 days post-Jesus's birth.
Armenians gathered on February 13 outside Saint Anna Church in Yerevan and Holy Mother of God Church in Garni to celebrate “Trndez,” a festival with ancient roots tied to Zoroastrian traditions venerating the sun and fire.
This occasion marks the onset of spring and fertility, carrying a tapestry of folk beliefs. For newlyweds, it holds particular significance as they leap over flames, believing that if touched, they will soon be blessed with children. It has been observed that the weather traditionally begins to warm after this day.
Trndez’s history is rich, tracing back to Zoroastrian and Pagan origins, predating Armenia’s conversion to Christianity in 301 A.D. Originally named “Derendez,” it was later christened “Dyaruntarach,” meaning “bringing forward of the Lord.” The term “Trndez” itself carries the essence of “the Lord is with you.”
Commemorations typically include church services followed by the lighting of bonfires, symbolizing divine light and warmth and the advent of spring and fertility. Participants encircle these fires, jumping over them as a ritual. “Dyaruntarach” is intricately linked with the purification feast of the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic Churches, celebrated 40 days after the nativity. It commemorates the presentation of the Lord to the Temple by Mary and Joseph and the confirmation of Jesus’ revelation as God.
Anthony Pizzoferrato is an Italian American freelance photojournalist, documentarian and filmmaker based in Yerevan, Armenia. His work places emphasis on reporting and documenting conflicts, political events, complex social issues, human rights and cultural history within post-Soviet states and the Middle East while creating understanding, intimacy and empathy. His work on the war in Ukraine and protests in Yerevan has been published in Getty Reportage.
