When did the Knowledge and Literature Day in Armenia start?
About Knowledge and Literature Day in Armenia Holiday
Knowledge and Literature Day is an Armenian holiday, celebrated annually on the 17th of August. It is a day for reflecting on the importance of wisdom, education, and literature in society. It celebrates the country's rich heritage of literature, including ancient folk tales and modern novels. The day also honors Armenia's prominent authors, poets, and thinkers who have passed on their knowledge to the next generations.
Originally established in 1978, Knowledge and Literature Day has since then become an important event in Armenia’s culture and history. On this day, Armenians celebrate their shared literary and intellectual culture, rooted in the classical works of writers such as the ancient classic author Mkhitar Gosh. People from all around the country gather to read books, debate topics, and discuss the thoughts and opinions of past authors. Libraries, bookstores, cultural centers, and schools all mark the day with literary competitions and special gatherings for literary enthusiasts.
Throughout the day, Armenians reflect on the importance of education and literature in their cultural heritage. They acknowledge the contributions of authors to their society by actively engaging in reading and knowledge sharing, spreading knowledge, intellectual discourse, and inspiring each other to build a better future.
Knowledge and Literature Day, Armenia – Introduction
Knowledge and Literature Day is an annual holiday in Armenia celebrated on the 8th of April. Established in 1992, the holiday marks the beginning of the Armenian national liberation movement against Russian imperial rule in the 19th century. It celebrates the revival of Armenian language, culture and identity. The day is marked with gatherings, speeches, demonstrations, parades, music and theatre performances, remembrance of the past, and tributes to the country’s history, leading luminaries and literary figures.
History and Origin
The holiday of Knowledge and Literature Day has its roots in the first mass protests in Armenian history known as the “Armenian National Uprising”. On April 9th, 1824, a group of intellectuals and young people organized a march from Echmiadzin Cathedral in the capital city of Yerevan, to the city’s historic center. Participants in the procession raised flags, distributed pamphlets and sang revolutionary songs.
These protests marked the beginning of a lengthy struggle by the Armenian people against the oppressive Russian Imperial rule. Armenians began to demand greater national autonomy, language rights, economic freedom, and the restoration of their ancient church.
Since then, April 8th has become a national holiday where Armenians celebrate their victory and display their appreciation for both the heroes of the struggles and the great Armenian cultural heritage.
Significance and Meaning
Knowledge and Literature Day has come to symbolize the values of freedom, patriotism, courage, and perseverance, which the Armenian people have always held dear. It serves as a reminder to never forget the sacrifices of those who aided in the struggle for independence throughout Armenian history.
Today, Armenians from all over the world take time on this day to remember their ancestry and to honor the vast Armenian cultural legacy. In addition, many Armenians also recognize the continuing importance of literature and knowledge in modern day Armenia, making it an ideal day for exploring Armenian literature, traditions, history, and culture.
Traditions and Celebrations
On Knowledge and Literature Day, Armenians take part in a number of activities that focus on literature, education, and culture. Events usually start off with the reading of traditional texts, including poems by famous Armenian poets or passages from the Bible. This is followed by speeches given by political and cultural figures in order to honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the Armenian people.
Other traditional activities include the raising of the Armenian flag in public spaces, feasting on traditional Armenian dishes, performances of Armenian music, poetry and literary recitations, and the lighting of triumphant bonfires.
Geographical Spread
Knowledge and Literature Day is celebrated mainly in Armenia, although Armenians from all over the world take part in the festivities. In areas outside of Armenia, like the United States, Canada, Germany, and France, people take part in celebrations through Armenian-language cultural events, lectures, and discussions – all under the banner of Knowledge and Literature Day.
Modern Day Observations
In present-day Armenia, Knowledge and Literature Day is an official national holiday. It is celebrated with much gusto and public participation. Schools and institutions commemorate the event with painting, writing, and essay competitions. Political and cultural figures deliver speeches that detail the importance of the struggle for independence and freedom. Music, theatre, and dance performances are organized in the streets of Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan.
In other parts of the world, Armenians come together to celebrate the holiday. Public demonstrations, dedications of monuments, and gatherings take place in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and France, where large communities of Armenians have settled.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
• The holiday was originally established as “Armenian National Uprising Day” in 1992, but was renamed to “Knowledge and Literature Day” in 2006.
• Knowledge and Literature Day is one of the most celebrated days in Armenian culture.
• The holiday is commonly known in Armenia as the “Day of Poetry and Literature”.
• There is a traditional Armenian poem, called “Armenian National Uprising”, which is read during Knowledge and Literature Day celebrations.
• Bonfires are also lit during the celebrations, as a symbol of hope and remembrance.
• Every year, Armenia organizes a special ball on Knowledge and Literature Day to honor the national spirit and unity.
• Knowledge and Literature Day is a great opportunity for Armenians to reconnect with their cultural heritage.
How to Say "Knowledge and Literature Day in Armenia" In Different Languages?
- Bulgarian
- Ден на знанието и литературата (bg-BG)
- Croatian
- Dan znanja i književnosti (hr-HR)
- Czech
- Den vědění a literatury (cs-CZ)
- French
- Journée de la connaissance et de la littérature (fr-FR)
- German
- Wissens- und Literaturtag (de-DE)
- Greek
- Ημέρα Γνώσης και Λογοτεχνίας (el-GR)
- Hebrew
- יום המדע והספרות (he-IL)
- Hungarian
- Tudomány és Irodalom Napja (hu-HU)
- Italian
- Giornata della conoscenza e della letteratura (it-IT)
- Polish
- Dzień Wiedzy i Literatury (pl-PL)
- Romanian
- Ziua Cunoaşterii şi Literaturii (ro-RO)
- Russian
- День знаний и литературы (ru-RU)
- Serbian
- Дан знања и литературе (sr-RS)
- Slovak
- Deň vedy a literatúry (sk-SK)
- Spanish
- Día del Conocimiento y de la Literatura (es-ES)
Knowledge and Literature Day in Armenia Also Called
The Day of Armenian Language and Armenian Alphabet.
FUN FACT:
In year 2000, Knowledge and Literature Day in Armenia is celebrated on September 1 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!