Khatchkars - "Stone Cross"

Khatchkars - "Stone Cross"
Khatchars are everywhere in Armenia; in and around churches, on streets and roads, and out in the countryside. There are tens of thousands all over. Some characteristics of khatchars are that they are seldom symmetrical left to right or top to bottom. This symbolizes the assymetry of the world. The carved background patterns (similar to celtic knots) on many khatchkars have no beggining or end - symbolizing the eterenity of the universe. And, finally, a common practice was to break a small piece of the carving with a chisel. This symbolizes the idea that nothing on earth is perfect. Khatchkars date from at least the middle ages if not earlier. .

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Armenian Alphabet

The Armenian Alphabet was created in 405-406 AD by Mesrop Mashtots and Sahak Patrev. The impetus was to be able to translate the bible into Armenian but other factors included creating and maintaining a national identity by having a unique alphabet.

The original alphabet had 36 letters which, although some were borrowed from Greek and Syriac alphabets, are unique. In the Cilician period (12th Century) two letters were added in order to be able to spell some of the words and names that the Crusaders brought. These letters were an "f" and an "o". Now there are 38 letters.

This picture is from the Alphabet Field in Armenia. In a very rural area, this wonderful monument stands amidst wandering cows and other livestock. The letters are beautifully carved out of stone. The closest one that looks like a "U" is the letter "AYP" or "A."
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)