Trndez

Trndez (also Tyarnndarach and Candlemas Day) is a feast of purification in the Armenian Apostolic Church and Armenian Catholic Churches, celebrated 40 days after Jesus' birth.[1] The two churches celebrate this on different days, the 13th (with celebrations on the eve of the 14th of February) and the 2nd of February.[2] The celebration of the Trndez is Zoroastrian in origin and is originally connected with sun/fire worship in ancient pre-Christian Armenia, symbolizing the coming of spring and fertility.[3] After adoption of Christianity in Armenia, the holiday became symbolization of string and endless love. If the couple succeeded to jump over the bonfire while holding hands, it is believed that their love and bond will be forever. According to another explanation of the tradition, jumping over the bonfire would cure the sick and purify the sinners. It is also thought that if an infertile woman jumps over the bonfire, she will become fertile. Although, Trndez has a hellenistic origin, through time, it converted into a Christian holiday. Similarly the alternative name of Trndez, Tyarnndarach, literally translates from Armenian as "towards the God." Up to this day, Trndez is highly celebrated by Armenians and Armenian Apostolic Church.