Vartavar-Armenain Water Day

Vartavar (also known as Vardevar or Vardavar, Armenian: Վարդավառ or Վարդնար) is a festival in Armenia where people of all ages drench each other with water. Its name is a derivative from “vard” in Armenian, which stands for “rose” in English.

Although now a Christian tradition, Vardavar's history dates back to pagan times. The ancient festival is traditionally associated with the goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water, beauty, love and fertility. The festivities associated with this religious observance of Astghik were named “Vartavar” because Armenians offered her roses as a celebration (“vart” means “rose” in and "var" mean "rise"), this is why it was celebrated in the harvest time

Vardavar is currently celebrated 98 days (14 weeks) after Easter. During the day of Vardevar, people from a wide array of ages are allowed to douse strangers with water. It is common to see people pouring buckets of water from balconies on unsuspecting people walking below them. The festival is very popular among children as it is one day where they can get away with pulling pranks. It is also a means of refreshment on the usually hot and dry summer days of July.

Zach got to experience this "Water Day" in Armenia. It was kind of crazy they don't care where you are or who you are they are going to get you wet. So watch out!  Zach said they had people waiting for them when they got out of the church. They were also chased by some kids too. Sounds like a lot of fun to me. Zach said they have a 20 gallon barrel of water in their apartment they were thinking about dumping off the balcony but they had a meeting that night and didn't get around to it. Zach was so funny about it. He makes me laugh. So i found some rules someone made up to try to keep you dry on this day.

Walk with a man, child or older person. Single young women or groups are more like to be hit.

Walk confidently. Keep walking, don’t stop and don’t back down. Stopping lets others catch up or surround you and emboldens them.

Tell them no. Look would-be attackers in the eye and tell them no (or ‘che’ in the local language).

Be alert. If you’re on the phone or otherwise distracted you are more likely to miss the attack.

Avoid them. Cross the street when you see them farther down, and avoid places where there are ample supplies of water like fountains. You can duck into a shop if you see them and wait for them to move on or to go after someone else.

Look for signs. If you see lots of women dripping water coming toward you, or if you see wet patches you may be approaching a danger zone. The gangs tend to stay in the same place.

Take a taxi and keep your window rolled up.

But even these tips may fail you, so it’s best to be ready.

• Don’t wear or carry things easily damaged by water.
• Bring an umbrella to block some of the water that hits you.
• Wear your bathing suit under your clothes.

Or for an alternate, you can enjoy and take part in the fun. Grab a pail or gun, dress down and enjoy the cool water on a hot day!

This week Zach also got a new companion. His name is Elder Kurth from Iowa. His last companion Elder Strader went to Gymuri. Zach also had to say goodbye to Elder Gerber. He will really be missed. Elder Gerber was a great missionary. We got to talk to him for a few minutes on Mothers Day when we skyped Zach. Elder Gerber was working with a 14 year old investagtor that Zach and his companion will continue teaching. Sister Beal was also moved to Zach's area. She is the sister missionary that was in his group at the MTC.

Their "Mission Mom" made this cake for Elder Gerber

This picture is at a meeting they had for a lady in their branch. She has a hard time attending church due to some health problems. Zach has also been working with some members on their family history.