Motherhood and Beauty Day 2023: Armenia observes Motherhood and Beauty Day on April 7 to honour women and their contributions to society. Did you know Armenia was the first official Christian state in the world? The Armenian national holiday Motherhood and Beauty Day is celebrated on the same day as the Feast of the Annunciation. It is customary in Armenia to present mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and other female relatives with flowers or sprouting branches. Motherhood is celebrated on April 7, but all women are honoured on March 8 for International Women’s Day.
HISTORY OF MOTHERHOOD AND BEAUTY DAY
The Armenian people can be traced back to between 1500 and 1200 B.C. However, the history of the Armenian state began in the sixth century B.C., when the Orontid Empire established Armenia as a geographical entity. Under King Artaxias I, the Armenian kingdom became a sovereign nation in 190 B.C. Between 95 and 66 B.C., during the reign of Tigranes the Great, Armenia became the most potent kingdom east of the Roman Republic. Later, the Arsacid dynasty, a branch of the Parthian Empire, governed Armenia.
The Sassanid Persians conquered the kingdom in the year 25 and maintained control until the Romans’ return in 287. Armenia was ruled by various nations, including the Byzantines and the Iranian Sallarid dynasty, for centuries. Armenia was the first nation to establish Christianity as its official religion in 301. The Armenian Church eventually gained autonomy from the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox denominations. After the Russo-Persian War (1826 – 1828), Russia annexed Eastern Armenia, which became known as the Province of Yerevan. During this time, Armenians were considered second-class citizens, with no access to education or administrative positions.
Between 1915 and 1916, the Ottoman Empire initiated a systematic slaughter of Armenians. During the Armenian genocide, approximately 1.5 million Armenians were murdered. A portion of Armenia achieved independence following the collapse of the Ottoman and Russian empires. Armenia attempted to establish a federation with other Caucasus provinces in 1917, but the republic fell apart in April 1918. In 1936, the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic was established as a constituent republic of the Soviet Union. Armenia proclaimed independence from the Soviet Union on August 23, 1990. However, it was not recognised as an independent nation until December 25, 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed.
National Coffee Cake Day 2023: Date, History, Activities, Significance and Facts
National Girl Me Too Day 2023: Date, History, Activities, Significance and Facts
National No Housework Day 2023: Date, History, Activities, Significance and Facts
MOTHERHOOD AND BEAUTY DAY ACTIVITIES
Give women in your life flowers.
Traditionally, women receive flowers on Motherhood and Beauty Day. Obtain the favoured flowers of the women in your life from a local florist.
Advocate for gender equality
Despite the fact that the Armenian constitution guarantees men and women equal rights, gender equality remains a significant issue in the country. Motherhood and Beauty Day can be used to promote gender equality by hosting a public forum, lobbying for favourable legislation for women, or volunteering for a women’s empowerment programme.
Participate in the event for Motherhood and Beauty Day.
On Motherhood and Beauty Day, as on International Women’s Day, various organisations and enterprises host events and programmes to promote women’s rights and celebrate their accomplishments. You can participate in one of these events if you’re intrigued. Check the Internet, Google, and social media platforms for local events.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ARMENIA
More Armenians reside overseas
Compared to the current population of approximately three million Armenians, more than five million Armenians reside abroad.
One of the oldest capitals in the globe
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited communities.
It has a UNESCO-listed cuisine.
The Armenian bread lavash is included on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites there.
In Armenia, UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, the cathedral and churches of Echmiatsin, the archaeological site of Zvartnots, the monastery of Geghard, and the Upper Azat Valley.
Mount Ararat serves as their national emblem.
Although the mountain is revered by Armenians, it is located in Turkey.
MOTHERHOOD AND BEAUTY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 7 | Friday |
| 2024 | April 7 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 7 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 7 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 7 | Wednesday |
