In Armenia, the celebration of New Year's Eve is one of the most awaited and significant holidays. It is not just a one-night celebration; instead, it lasts for at least a week, beginning from the 31st of December and continuing well into January. Armenian families gather around a festive table, filled with traditional dishes, to bid farewell to the outgoing year and welcome the upcoming one. The decoration of Christmas trees, exchange of gifts, and singing of carols play a significant part in this magical night.
The feast prepared on New Year's Eve in Armenian households is grand and rich, symbolizing abundance and prosperity for the coming year. Traditional dishes such as dolma, khashlama, basturma, and a wide variety of sweets are prepared. Of particular importance on the Armenian New Year's table are dried fruits and nuts, as they are believed to bring good luck. Some believe that leaving some dishes on the table until morning will bring blessings and bountifulness for the next year.
Much of the holiday magic in Armenia is brought about by various customs and traditions. One fascinating tradition is the first visitor or the 'first-footer' who is expected to bring luck into the household. Armenians believe that the fate of their year is determined by the identity and the nature of the first person entering their home after midnight on New Year's Eve. As a result, many arrange for a special person, someone blessed with a lucky charm or good nature, to be their first-footer. No doubt, New Year's Eve in Armenia is a blending of religion, traditions, and an enduring zest for life.