Trndez
Trndez, also called Tyarnndarach is a feast of purification in the Armenian Apostolic Church and Armenian Catholic Churches, celebrated 40 days after Jesus' birth.
It has many similarities with Candlemas. The two churches celebrate this on different days, the 13th and the 2nd of February. The celebration of Trndez is pagan in origin, and is originally connected with sun/fire worship in ancient pre-Christian Armenia, symbolizing the coming of spring and fertility. It was originally referred to as Derendez, meaning “a bundle of straw in front of your house.” In ancient Armenia, the event was associated with the worship of Vahagn, the Armenian god of fire, sun, war, and courage. People believed that the strength of the fire would eradicate the winter’s cold and allow for fertile land and a prosperous harvest. Couples, especially newlyweds, would jump over the Trndez flames for luck, prosperity, and fertility. The fire’s ashes were believed to have healing properties as people would use it as an ointment for pain and rub it into their eyelids to improve their eyesight.
Armenian customs includes the preparation of a traditional Armenian snack known as aghandz, made from toasted wheat and hemp. It is traditionally eaten by couples who are newly married or engaged after they leap over the fire. The mixture is often enhanced with ingredients such as sesame seeds, peas, raisins, and other dried fruits, giving it a pleasantly sweet taste. Large trays of festive foods are typically shared near the fire, including a related dish called pokhind'', which consists of baked and ground grains mixed with honey or fruit syrup.