The historic Trndez holiday
During the pre-Christian era, the Trndez holiday was first observed in historical Armenia. The holiday was dedicated to the worship of "Ter," the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, and fire represents the birth of Vahakin, the Armenian God of Fire. Ter was the gods' messenger who kept a record of newborns and their predetermined ages, according to Armenian mythology.
On the evening of February 13 and the early morning of February 14, bonfires are lit in the courtyards of temples and squares to drive away the cold, increase the heat of the sun, and pray for fertility; Everyone dances and turns around the fire, and couples, particularly young women, jump over the fire to conceive powerful and intelligent male children. Patients were also brought in for healing in the past.
After converting to Christianity, Armenians clung to the Trndez feast, and the Armenian Church of all denominations continued to celebrate it in churchyards with a change in symbolism to the "feast of purification."
Several other Armenians who prefer to follow ancient symbolism continue to celebrate Trndz every year in Armenia at the historical site "karmir blur" and the pagan temple of Garni.
Trndez is one of the favourite and most beloved holidays of all Armenians, and they celebrate it even today all over Armenia and the countries of the world where they are located.
