Symbols of Armenia / Apricot

Armenian apricots are very famous within the tourists who have visited Armenia even once. Because once you’ve tried it you will never forget or confuse the taste of the Armenian apricot to any other type. Armenian apricot is considered to be one of the best-known symbols of Armenia, after Mount Ararat and pomegranate of course. Even the scientific name of this fruit – Prunus Armeniaca, honors that fact.

History of Armenian Apricot

Apricots were known in Armenia during ancient times, and have been cultivated here for so long that it is believed to have been originated in Armenia. An apricot seeds were found during an archaeological excavations at Garni. Many scientists suggest that Alexander the Great took apricots from Armenia to Greece, thus introducing it to the Mediterranean region.

But there are other theories which deny that Armenia is the homeland of apricot, and state that it originates from India and China. Despite the disagreements over origin, no one can reject the fact that apricots that grow in Armenia are quite different from the ones that grow in other countries. And you will never find real Armenian apricots growing outside the borders of Armenia.

Legend has it that apricot tree is the only tree that Noah brought down from the Ark and planted it in the new soil. The Great Flood destroyed many fruit trees, however, the apricot survived it.

Uniqueness of Armenian Apricot

Armenian apricots not only differ with their taste, but with their unique coloring as well. It is not exactly orange or yellow. Its color is called apricot, which is a mix of yellow, orange and pink colors. In ancient times Armenian kings and queens used special, festive dresses which were called “tsirani” as they had an apricot color. The name “tsirani” came from the word “tsiran”, which means apricot.

The kernels of apricot are edible, unlike the kernels of other fruits. And sometimes after eating the apricot, eating its kernel is a must. It doesn’t matter if you have any tools for breaking it or not. As a last option there can always be used a stone. Children also love to make special whistles out of the kernels. You need to find some rough surface (the best option can be a stone) then start scraping it as long as you will make a hole in it. Then you have to empty the inner part with the help of a needle and your whistle is ready.

In Armenia, people consume the fruit fresh or dried and prepare a vast number of delicacies with it – be it marmalad, jam, juice, desserts, apricot vodka, apricot leather rolls, or various other dishes.

Armeian Duduk

It is not a coincidence that one of the most famous Armenian musical instruments is called “tsiranapokh” which means “apricot tree pipe”. Armenian duduk is made exclusively from apricot tree. The roots of Armenian duduk go back to the times of Tigran the Great. The instrument is depicted in numerous Armenian manuscripts of the Middle Ages.

Armenian duduk is distinctive with its warm and soft, sometimes even sad and dramatic melodies. It always accompanies nearly all Armenian traditional dances and songs. Duduk is also an inseparable part of every wedding and funeral.

There are four major types of duduk, varying in length from 28 to 40 cm and in sound, ranging from one to fourth or third octaves. The sound of the duduk can express various moods depending on the content of the piece. The 40-cm long duduk, for example, is regarded as most appropriate for love songs, whereas the smaller one is used for more rhythmic melodies and usually accompanies dances.

There are special duduk craftsmen who still continue to create different types of Duduk. And if you think that you will one day learn playing this instrument or you just want to buy it as a souvenir, then there is a market “Vernisazh” where you can buy real Armenian duduk, made from apricot trees.

Duduk and its music were inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 (originally proclaimed in 2005).

So how awesome is Armenian duduk? So awesome that it was used in the soundtracks of the famous movies like “Gladiator”, “The Crow”, “The Last Temptation of Christ” and in one of the best TV series – “Game of Thrones”.

Golden Apricot Film Festival

Golden Apricot is an annual film festival held in Yerevan. The festival was founded in 2004 with the co-operation of the “Golden Apricot” Fund for Cinema Development, the Armenian Association of Film Critics and Cinema Journalists.

The name of the film festival refers to the apricot, a fruit that is a popular symbol of Armenia.

The Festival is dedicated to the theme of Crossroads of Cultures and Civilizations, and features films representing various nations and religions, collectively depicting the richness of the human experience.

Golden Apricot International Film Festival is different from other film festivals as it is smaller in scale but honors an  international attention and respect.

The films are presented in two international competition sections: feature and documentary. The Golden Apricot (grand prize) and the Silver Apricot (special mention) are awarded in each category. The Armenian Panorama is the pan-Armenian competitive section of the festival for films produced by filmmakers of Armenian descent. Golden Apricot International Film Festival also has three sections outside of competition to showcase more outstanding films: Non-competitive, Retrospective and Tribute.

In this article we tried to introduce you the uniqueness of Armenian apricot. Maybe after reading this you will find the answer why it is so much loved by tourists and why its is considered to be a symbol of Armenia. Maybe it’s just because this little sweet fruit can make you feel the taste of Armenia, listen to the sound of Armenia and see Armenia.

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