Drentez

Drentez

An Armenian celebration of Love!

This is an Ancient Armenian feast dating back to Pre-Christianity and Pagan/Hetanos times! Also known as Diarentarach, and according to present day Christian custom this holiday is celebrated on February 14, 40 days after the Armenian Christmas on January 6. That is when it is believed that Mary and Joseph brought Christ up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

The main ceremony is an ancient Iranica heritage, similar to the Iranian Chahaar Shanbeh Souri, of starting a bonfire, symbolizing the coming of Spring or Norooz, youth, love, fertility and the blessing of the newlyweds.

The fire symbolizes the light, the warmth, the joy and also protection against evil.

People gather around the fire and first the young ones and the newlyweds jump over the fire, getting the warmth of the fire, which strengthens their love and devotion.

After the fire is extinguished, eating, dancing and the partying begins!

(See also "St. Sarkis Day" for another love-themed Armenian feast).