My Mom was Armenian and my Dad was Irish/English/Native American. My Mom's parents both escaped the genocide to America and married very young, though I never knew them. I am learning in my later years how much Armenian culture and history was a part of my Mother's life, and in turn of who I am. Over the last few years I have tried to become more aware of Armenian culture and learn more about my history and culture. Does anyone have any suggestions for me for how to proceed? I do not want my Armenian heritage to die with me!
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SF Bay Area
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Re: Half-Armenian
Mon, May 15, 2006 - 10:44 PM1/4 Armenian...
My grandfather escaped as well--from Harpoot--close to there anyway--the actual journey is a little unknown to us-but he made his way to NY and peddled art. He also died before I have conscious memory--just curious about how your journey is going? I find my ancestors somehow live through my baklava & dolma--
I see we have friends of friends--I meet so few Armenia's... I am mixed with Mexican, German, English--some myths of Native American as well.
in peace,
Mariam
Mariam -
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Re: Half-Armenian
Wed, May 17, 2006 - 7:18 PMthanks so much for your reply! it is difficult for me particularly, because my mother is gone now, and so are her parents and siblings. so i have really no living relatives to connect with. so, i'm trying to read about armenian history, connect with the local community, and also visit there soon via the habitat for humanity program in yerevan. i'm also saving up to buy my first duduk, and i've made a connection with a teacher! i love duduk so much. what an astounding instrument. i'm considering learning some of the language as well.
my grandpa was in the states already in northern ohio as a young man (16-ish) when the genocide began, and he made it back to armenia to try to help. he was taken prisoner and tortured in the bottom of a ship, and was later rescued by russians and taken to shore. supposedly he binged on baklava after not eating for a week and put himself in the hospital from the reaction! then he later saw my future grandmother, and arranged with her father to marry her and take her back to the states at the age of 14. they actually met on their wedding day, i am told! -
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Re: Half-Armenian
Tue, May 23, 2006 - 11:53 AMYou can work on finding out if there is a Armenian club picnic nearby.
I haven't been to one in many years. This is where you learn a big facet of the culture outside of the church.
The food, dances, music, the common 3 last letters in the last name.
My grandparents were survivors too. My grandmother was a mother to me which is why I long to reconnect with my heritage.
Some colleges teach Armenian. Right on! :)
There is quite a bit of information out in the world. I just recently have had a interest in Armenian Ceramics. I am thinking that my kitchen or my dining room will end up having that Armenian/Tuscany look.
I like your post.
I am half armenian. My mother was scandinavian mix with rumors of native blood. My dad was an 100 percent 1st generation Armenian American.
My grandad ended up in SanFrancisco and bipassed Newyork altogether. My granny ended up in Fresno. Shes the only person with her maiden name that comes up in a google.
Armenian culture is a rich history. They were the first to trade silk in America. There is a video called "Armenian Americans." its rich with culture too. -
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Re: Half-Armenian
Tue, May 23, 2006 - 12:45 PMThanks for the tips! Quick question ... i know there are different versions of the Armenian language... which should I learn? I don't know the difference.
Where did you get the video "Armenian Americans"? -
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Re: Half-Armenian
Tue, May 23, 2006 - 5:44 PMThere was an Armenian Film Festival in your neck of the woods just recently. (February) There is certainly community out where you live (looking at your profile/location) www.britfilms.com/festivals/browse/
Bay Area Armenian E-calendar
www.sfbayecalendar.com/
Armenian Community Groups of the Bay Area (Including Churches of various Denominations)
www.sfbayecalendar.com/community.html
I would not be surprized if the Armenian club out there has the videos in stock.
www.wliw.org/productions/armenian.html (is a commentary about the documentary, I knew some of the people in the documentary from my childhood I do not know if they are still alive today)
Armenian American Chamber of Commerce (Glendale Cali)
www.armenianchamber.com/index.asp
I hope this was a help in the right direction. As for language I know only bits and pieces of Western Armenian.
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