Hovhannes Tumanyan

Hovhannes Tumanyan was born in the village of Dsegh in 1869.

At first, he studied at the primary school in Dsegh, and then he continued his education in Jalaloghly (now Stepanavan). Tumanyan began writing poems when he was still 12.

 At the age of 14, Hovhannes Tumanyan went to Tiflis where he studied at Nersesyan School.

 Hovhannes Tumanyan wrote poems, poems for children, quatrains (քառյակներ), short stories, tales.

I like his poems for children. For example, «Գրիչը», «Ձյունը», «Աշուն»: I also like his tales. For example, “The Death of Kikos”, “The Black Kiddy”, “The Liar”. Tumanyan’s most touching story is “Gikor”. But Hovhannes Tumanyan’s masterpiece is the poem “Anush”.

Tumanyan liked peace very much. He criticized people who quarrelled and fought. He also criticized kings who began wars because of nothing. Tumanyan’s peaceful character is seen in his poems “The Dog and the Cat” and “A Drop of Honey”.  

Easter in Armenia

Easter is one of the most favourite holidays in Armenia. People  celebrate it at the end of March or in April. This year Easter will be celebrated on April 17. It is a Christian holiday . On this day people greet each other by saying «Christ is risen!» and the answer is «Truly, he is risen!» Armenians prepare for Easter 40 days before it. They make malts (ածիկ).. On this day Armenians go to church and then come home, sit at the tables and the whole family celebrates Easter. The Easter meal is fish, dyed eggs and red wine. Children play Easter games. They begin to fight with their eggs and have fun in it.