[3] Annual bonfires are kindled by Armenians on the festival of Candlemas, or the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (February 13/2). [↑]
[5] Statues of massive gold were consecrated to her, one of which was captured by the soldiers of Antony (Pliny, H. N., xxx. 24). [↑]
[6] At each festival, the Armenians had to show what progress they had made during the past year, in art and in other occupations, and races and other competitions took place, the victors being crowned with wreaths of roses. When the doves were set flying the High Priest sprinkled the people with the waters of the Aradzani—a tributary of the Euphrates—and the people in their turn sprinkled each other. The customs dated back to traditions of the deluge—that universal baptism with which God cleansed all the sinful earth, and the same expression of love and forgiveness is manifested in the presence of the dove at the baptism of Jordan. See Raffi’s Samuel, chap. ix. [↑]
[7] Astghik means in Armenian “little star.” [↑]
[8] It is a curious coincidence that Venus, the Greek goddess of beauty, was also the wife of a fire-god, Vulcan. [↑]
[9] Some say that Ammanor was an ancient Armenian god and not foreign. [↑]
[10] Kadjk means in Armenian “brave ones.” [↑]
[11] Zarmaïr, another king of this dynasty, took part in the defence of Troy. The historian emphasises the fact that he was killed by Achilles himself. [↑]
[12] It is interesting to recall, in this connection, some passages of Strabo. Speaking of Armenia he says:—“It is said that people passing by the foot of the mountains are often buried in the snow which falls from the summits. In order to be prepared for such a mishap, travellers carry with them two long sticks for the purpose of making breathing places for themselves, should they be covered by the snow. The sticks, at the same time, serve as signals to any other travellers who may happen to be passing.” [↑]