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As spring blooms across the picturesque landscapes of Armenia, so does the spirit of Easter, a time of joy, renewal, and cherished traditions. Nestled within the heart of Armenia, our hotel, in collaboration with the Folk Arts HUB foundation, organized a delightful Easter event on April 1^st, 2024, engaging 30 children, aged 7, to get into the rich cultural tapestry of Armenian Easter celebrations and not only.

The central part of our event was the age-old tradition of egg dyeing, an art form passed down through generations. Guided by skilled artisans from the Folk Arts HUB foundation, the children discovered the captivating process of natural dyeing, using an array of ingredients such as hibiscus, madder roots, onion skins, red cabbage, and curcumin. As they got their hands dirty, they couldn't help but be amazed at the beautiful colors that appeared, turning each egg into a mini masterpiece straight from nature's paintbrush.

Following the dyeing session, the children eagerly embraced another cherished Easter tradition: egg fighting, a spirited competition where eggs are gently tapped against one another until one remains unscathed. Laughter filled the air as the children joyfully engaged in this age-old custom, forging bonds and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Continuing their journey into Armenian culture, the children were whisked away to experience the art of lavash baking. Led by expert bakers, they gathered around the tonir, a traditional Armenian underground oven, where the dough was skillfully stretched and baked to perfection. Amidst the warmth of the tonir, stories of lavash's significance in Armenian culture were shared, its symbolic role in communal gatherings and culinary heritage.

As the aroma of freshly baked lavash filled the air, the children gathered around to savor the fruits of their labor. With hearts full and appetites whetted, they lost themselves in a feast of their dyed eggs, accompanied by warm lavash and crisp, fresh greens. Around the table, conversations flowed, bridging generations and cultures, as the spirit of Easter brought everyone together in celebration.

In conclusion, our Armenian Easter celebration was a testament to the power of tradition, community, and cultural exchange. Through immersive experiences crafted with care and passion, we strive to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments for our guests, young and old alike. As we bid farewell to another Easter season, we carry with us the warmth of shared memories and the promise of new beginnings.

For a photo report visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com

We invote you to discover our enchanting garden, a haven of tranquility  nestled within the heart of Silk Road hotel, a space designed to provide respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Our cozy garden invites guests to unwind, work, or simply revel in the beauty of traditional Armenian craftsmanship. Whether you're seeking a quiet corner to work, a cozy spot to read, or a peaceful place to connect with nature, our garden is the perfect spot.

As you explore our garden, you'll encounter fascinating vishapakars’ (dragon stones) replicates, adding a touch of mystique to the surroundings. These are characteristic monoliths found in large numbers in the Armenian Highlands, in natural and artificial ponds, and other sources of water. They are believed to have spiritual significance and are often associated with positive energy and protection. Vishapakars are commonly carved from one piece of stone, into cigar-like shapes with fish heads or serpents. Supposedly they are images of vishaps, a water dragon of Armenian folklore. Shaped over centuries, these stones are not only visually captivating but also carry a sense of ancient wisdom.

Amidst the green fruit trees and multocolor flowers, you'll also discover the timeless beauty of our khachkar (traditional Armenian cross-stones). Carved with intricate patterns and symbolic motifs, khachkars are not just pieces of art but also cultural treasures. They carry deep historical and religious meaning, representing a unique blend of Christian and pre-Christian Armenian beliefs. Pause to appreciate the meticulous carvings, symbolic motifs, and the spiritual aura that emanates from these stone masterpieces.

In addition to the natural and cultural wonders, our garden features the charming presence of the Armenian tonir surrounded by traditional village life items. A traditional clay oven, the tonir is an integral part of Armenian culinary heritage. Used for baking traditional flatbreads like lavash and preparing delicious barbecue dishes, the tonir adds a sensory experience to our garden. Guests can savor the aromas of freshly baked bread or enjoy the warmth of the tonir during chilly evenings, creating a unique and authentic connection to Armenian culture. You are welcome to request a lavash baking ceremony in the section of the masterclasses in the website.

Besides of all the above-mentioned beauties, a symbolic Buddha statue stands in our garden as a testament to the historic Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting the East and West. Representing unity, enlightenment, and cultural exchange, the Buddha statue adds a touch of global history to our garden. Guests are invited to reflect on the rich tapestry of cultures that once traversed the Silk Road, making our garden a meeting point of diverse influences.

At Silk Road hotel, we invite you to embrace the harmonious blend of nature and culture in our cozy garden retreat. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape, a productive workspace, or a moment of reflection, our garden provides the perfect setting. Comfortable seating, Wi-Fi access, and the soothing ambiance make it an ideal spot for both leisure and business travelers.

Immerse yourself in the serenity of the surroundings, be captivated by the allure of dragon stones, appreciate the cultural significance of khachkars, savor the authentic experience of an Armenian tonir, and reflect on the symbolic Buddha statue as a nod to the historic Silk Road. Your stay with us promises not only a comfortable experience but also an opportunity to connect with the history and traditions that make Armenia truly unique.

Armenia, a land of ancient history and diverse cultural traditions, boasts a rich heritage that spans millennia. From ancient civilizations to modern-day artistry, Armenia's museums provide an immersive window into the nation's history, art, and culture. It will be difficult to embrace all of the museums in this small blog, but we’ll try to introduce you some of the best museums in Armenia.  

We want to introduce you the founder of Silk Road hotel which is a subsidiary of Folk Arts HUB Foundation. This interview given to the organization “Repat Armenia” will give you an insight about how Levon Der Bedrossian repatriated to Armenia and created the hotel and the foundation. We will extract parts of the interview, but you can find the full article following this link: https://repatarmenia.org/article/my-way-home/levon-der-bedrossian-the-long-way-home