About The Celebration
Previously, this holiday was associated with the arrival of spring. On our current calendars, the old New Year was celebrated during March, therefore carrying the notion of blossoming and awakening. This period would give people the opportunity to welcome the "good" and the "lively".
Subsequent to the arrival of Christianity, Paregentan became associated with the forty days fasting of Jesus and True Paregentan transpired on the first Sunday of the Great Lent.
Etymology
The name "Paregentan" is composed of the words "good" and "living".
In ancient times, people believed that, by wishing for vitality, they would receive the protection of higher powers against evil forces.
Therefore, people wished for goodness, health, success and various benedictions on that day.
Tradition
The public celebration was known as a day of food and drinks, song and dance, games and freedom.
On the occasion of this holiday, different and abundant sweets and dishes with the meats of sheep, goats, chickens and cattle, were prepared, and fruits and drinks were taken out of the root cellar.
The carnival dishes are: “Patilla”, “Amidj”, “Halva”, “Pakhlava”, “Serron”, “Semseg”, Omelette, “Kata”, “Aghants”, “Gololag”, “Pokhints”, barbecues and “Khashlama”.
One of the aspects of Paregentan is the fight between good and evil. On that day, people had the opportunity to disguise themselves and change their appearances. The purpose of masking was to conceal the person’s identity and to grant them the liberty to speak their word without hesitation, even employing mockery and criticism.
Musicians, singers and storytellers were invited to enliven the celebration. The whole community participated in games and satirical & comedic theatrical performances.
In the evening, when the weary elders would return to their homes after the festivities, a group of masked children would barge through their doors with
an uproar, while singing and drumming.
They would resume in performing folk theatrical performances and games.
Among the most entertaining games
of the carnival are "Lakhdakhagh", "Kntagakhagh", "Djodjakhagh", "Vek", "Madni" and others. And a series of plays, including “Khnamakhos", "Kogh yev Pasha", "Baron Kzir" and so on.
The faces of this holiday are “Bas Bab” and “Udis Dad”. “Bas Bab” or “Agladiz” was made out of an onion, and his hair and beard were made out of goat hair.
“Udis Dad” was also made of an onion
and decorated with feathers.
The role of these personas comes from the processional tradition where “Udis Dad” represents Paregentan and
“Bas Bab” represents the Great Lent. “Grandma went with a ladle in her hand, Grandpa came with a club on his shoulder."
Happy Paregentan, from Hnarti to all of you.
We pray that all your wishes come true! 🌠
