Contents

Pages
[Introduction]1–2
Part I.[Legends]
Chapter I.[The geography ofArmenia]5–8
Chapter II.[Ancient historicallegends]9–23
Section 1.[The legend, ofHaic]9
2.[The legend ofAra and Semiramis]10
3.[Historicalbackground of the legend of Ara and Semiramis]11
4.[The legend ofVahakn]14
5.[The historicbackground of the legend of Vahakn]15
6.[The period ofnational integration]17
7.[Legends ofArtasches and Artavasd]20
8.[Conclusions]22
Chapter III.[Legends of theconversion to Christianity]24–38
Section 1.[Pre-Christianmythology and religion]24
2.[Legends ofAbgar, Thaddeus, and St. Bartholomew]27
3.[Legends ofRhipsime and Gregory]29
4.[The Armenianchurch as a social force]34
Chapter IV.[Localitylegends]39–44
Section 1.[Ararat]39
2.[Khor-Virap andErzerum]43
Chapter V.[Interpretation andconclusions]45–48
Part II.[Festivals]
Chapter I.[The Gregorianchurch]51–55
Chapter II.[Pagan folkfestivals]56–66
Section 1.[Vartavar and theFestival of Mihr]56
2.[The Day of theDead and Vartan’s Day]58
3.[Fortune-TellingDay]62
Chapter III.[Christian folkfestivals]67–78
Section 1.[Christmas,Easter, and New Year]67
2.[Special churchceremonies]71
Chapter IV.[Private festivaloccasions]79–90
Section 1.[Baptism]79
2.[Betrothal]80
3.[Marriage]83
4.[Funeral]87
Chapter V.[Summary]91–96
[Conclusions]92
[Bibliography]99–100