Armenia is a country with a unique mentality, and Armenian traditions are full of pleasant and unexpected surprises. I really hope that many people will see this for themselves.
Funeral traditions in Armenia are rooted in ancient ideas about death and the afterlife. Many Armenians believe that the fate of every person is predetermined, and it is written in invisible ink on the foreheads of everyone who came to this world. In Armenia, this concept of fate is called «chakatagir». According to local beliefs, on the day of death, an angel descends from heaven to earth to take the soul, which leaves the body with the last breath of a person.

Armenian funeral traditions associated with avoiding contact with evil forces are still observed by many people. After death, the clock in the house is stopped, all the mirrors are covered with a cloth, and the hands of the deceased are tied. While the corpse is in the house, no one should wash clothes or work in the garden, as this may attract the attention of the Angel of Death. In addition, since it is considered unsafe to leave the coffin unattended until it has been taken out of the house, someone should sit next to it and ensure that the lit candle continues to burn at the head of the bed.

It is customary to put a coffin lid at the door of the house to inform neighbors and passersby about the death of a family member. In some ways, Armenian funeral rites resemble those of other Orthodox peoples. The priest invited to the house reads a prayer over the deceased and blesses the water for ablution. Before the funeral, which usually takes place on the third day after death, relatives and friends come to the house to say goodbye to the deceased.

According to Armenian funeral traditions, the coffin is wrapped three times counterclockwise, after which each member of the family kisses the hand of the deceased as a sign of respect. Shortly before taking the coffin out of the house, the men lower and raise it three times and hit it three times against the closed front door of the house. It is believed that the Apostle Peter, the «Guardian of the Gates of Heaven», will hear the knock and open the gates of heaven to the departed soul.

After the funeral, all the mourners visit the family of the deceased. Before entering the house, hands and shoes are washed with water or a damp towel. Traditionally, khashlama (stewed lamb with vegetables) and kurkut (wheat groats cooked with lamb or beef), as well as various sweets and fruits, are served at the table. The only alcoholic drinks allowed are vodka or cognac and should be consumed in moderation. Commemoration ceremonies are held on the third, seventh and fortieth days after death, as well as on the first anniversary.