


Armenian weddings are a celebration of culture, faith, and family, with each tradition offering a unique look into the heart of Armenian heritage.
Are you curious about the memorable customs that make these weddings so special? As you start this travel, you’ll discover that you’re not alone in your quest to understand these beautiful rituals.
We’re here to guide you through the top 7 Armenian wedding traditions that have stood the test of time.
By the end, you’ll be ready to soak yourself in these eternal celebrations and share in the joy of these dynamic traditions.
1. Khosk-Arnel

The Khosk-Arnel is a cherished Armenian tradition where the groom’s immediate family visits the bride’s family to formally request her hand in marriage. This intimate gathering, often centered around tea, coffee, or dinner, is an occasion for the families to connect on a personal level.
With gifts like flowers and chocolates in hand, the groom’s family seeks the bride’s father’s permission, symbolizing respect and dedication. Unlike larger celebrations, the Khosk-Arnel is limited to the immediate families, making it a heartfelt and less formal precursor to the engagement.
Though the Khosk-Arnel is gradually being replaced by the more elaborate Khosk-Kap, it retains its simplicity and cultural significance. It emphasizes familial bonds and sets the foundation for future harmony between the two families.
The sharing of tea after the bride’s family gives their blessing is not just a ritual but a celebration of unity and mutual respect. This cherished tradition highlights the importance of family in Armenian weddings, blending formality with warmth and intimacy.
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2. Common Cup Tradition

The Common Cup tradition in Armenian weddings holds meaningful spiritual significance, symbolizing the sacred union of the bride and groom with one another and with Christ. During the ceremony, the officiant or priest presents a single cup of wine to the couple, from which both take a sip.
This act reflects their loyalty to share life’s joys and challenges as one, under the divine blessing of God. The ritual highlights the religious foundation of Armenian marriages, blending faith with love and unity.
Beyond the bride and groom, the Common Cup involves the best man and maid of honor, who also take a sip. This gesture signifies their pledge of support and blessings for the couple’s travel together.
Rooted in ancient traditions, the sharing of the cup serves as a powerful reminder of togetherness, not only between the couple but also among their closest companions, creating a bond of love, faith, and prosperity.
3. Pillow Blessing

The Pillow Blessing is a cherished Armenian wedding tradition symbolizing harmony and everlasting love. The blessing, “May you grow old on one pillow,” is a heartfelt wish often incorporated into wedding vows, stationery, and reception toasts.
This simple yet significant phrase conveys the hope that the couple will share a life filled with love, understanding, and peace, displaying the heart of a strong and enduring marriage.
Deeply rooted in Armenian culture, the Pillow Blessing also carries a message of reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts and developing unity. Passed down through generations, it serves as both a guiding principle and a beautiful reminder of the dedication to cherish and nurture one another.
This tradition expresses the spirit of Armenian weddings, blending eternal wisdom with modern expressions of love.
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4. The Symbolic Red and Green Ribbons

In Armenian weddings, red and green ribbons have important meanings. Red stands for love and sacrifice, green represents life and growth, and white stands for purity. These colors come from old Armenian bridal crowns made of red, green, and white threads.
Usually, the groom’s family makes the ribbons and gives them to the bride’s family. During the ceremony, a wise woman, often the groom’s mother, pins the ribbons onto the groom’s shirt. This shows the passing of blessings and responsibilities to the couple.
Today, couples often use the red and green ribbons in many ways, like in their vows, decorations, or even ribbon exchanges. They keep the tradition alive while making it their own.
These ribbons remind everyone of the important values of love, unity, and hope for a happy future.
5. Showered with Coins

In Armenian weddings, people throw coins and bills on the newlyweds to wish them good luck and money in their married life. This tradition can happen at different times, like when the couple leaves the ceremony, during a special dance at the party, or as they leave the bride’s house.
Guests throw money, sweets, and nuts, creating a joyful and happy mood. It shows the community’s blessings for the couple.
One fun part is the “dance with money,” where guests throw dollar bills on the bride and groom while they dance. Children often pick up the money and throw it again, making the fun last longer.
This tradition brings excitement and helps everyone feel connected as they celebrate the couple’s new life together.
6. Lavash Blessings

The Lavash blessing is an important Armenian wedding tradition. It brings good luck and happiness to the couple. At the start of the celebration, the groom’s mother places lavash (a type of Armenian bread) over the bride and groom’s shoulders. This is done to wish them prosperity.
She also gives them honey and sometimes walnuts, symbolizing sweetness and joy in their marriage. Guests often join in by throwing sweets, nuts, and coins to share the blessings.
Armenian weddings are full of energy, with traditional music and dancing. A big meal with khorovats (meat kebab) is also served. This dish even has its own special song.
These traditions, passed down through families, celebrate love and pride in Armenian culture, making the wedding warm and joyful.

7. Sword Tradition

The sword tradition in Armenian weddings is a fun and special custom. It happens when the bride and groom try to leave the bride’s family home. A male family member, like a brother or cousin, acts as a “bouncer”.
He holds a sword or something similar and blocks the door. The couple has to offer money to pass. This fun “negotiation” starts with refusals and more offers, adding excitement to the celebration.
Family members, like the groom or a sponsor, step in to “pay” the bouncer. The amount is decided by the bouncer, and the tradition can be changed to fit each family.
This tradition shows how important family is in Armenian weddings. It mixes fun and culture, making the wedding memorable.
Key Takings About Armenian Wedding Traditions
1. Khosk-Arnel: The intimate, heartfelt family gathering where the groom’s family formally asks for the bride’s hand in marriage.
2. Common Cup Tradition: A sacred ritual symbolizing the couple’s shared life and divine union.
3. Pillow Blessing: A beautiful wish for lasting love and harmony in marriage.
4. Symbolic Red and Green Ribbons: A gesture of love, sacrifice, and hope for a prosperous future.
5. Showered with Coins: A lively tradition that celebrates financial prosperity and community support.
6. Lavash Blessings: A heartfelt ritual of good fortune, sweetness, and abundance for the couple.
7. Sword Tradition: A playful, symbolic act of family involvement, emphasizing fun and unity.
A traditional Armenian wedding includes a church ceremony, followed by a celebration at the bride’s house or a restaurant. Before entering, the couple breaks plates with their feet. The event is filled with loud music and dancing.
The sword tradition in Armenian weddings is a form of dowry. In rural areas, the bride’s brother often blocks the entrance of the bride’s house, preventing the sponsor (kavor) and newlyweds from entering. To unblock the entrance, the sponsor must pay a price. A sword is not always involved.