threads of tradition

Rediscovering Armenian Myths

From a young age, I was fascinated by global myths and legends. While I explored Greek, Russian, Egyptian, and Scandinavian tales, I realized I knew little about my own Armenian folklore. As a teenager, I sought to learn more, only to find it scarce and underappreciated, even in Armenia. This inspired me to create a meaningful project that would preserve these stories for future generations and present them in an engaging way. The project "Threads of Tradition" is a textile book made of panels, each sharing a story from Armenian legends. These panels can be shown as a large display or as individual "pages." Using embroidery, appliqué, and layered textiles, the project invites people to explore closely.

Who?

The project invites people of all backgrounds, including art lovers and cultural enthusiasts, to explore and preserve Armenian heritage. Through art and craftsmanship, it brings ancient folklore to life, helping people understand Armenian myths and traditions. It’s also a great resource for teachers, museums, and galleries to share Armenian culture with the world. The project aims to connect the past and present, inspiring future generations to keep these traditions alive.

Where?

The project will be developed locally, inspired by Armenian cultural symbols and folklore. It aims to be showcased in museums, galleries, and cultural spaces, attracting audiences interested in art, culture, and history. The goal is to present a contemporary reinterpretation of Armenian heritage, making it accessible to both local and international audiences eager to explore Armenian myths and traditions.

Why Now?

The project will take several months to complete, with research, development, and creation happening throughout the year. This timeline is crucial, as it aligns with the current generation’s focus on preserving cultural heritage and reimagining traditional arts, ensuring Armenian folklore is relevant to modern audiences and passed down to future generations.

A journey through Armenian folklore

For my Threads of Tradition project, I wanted to try something different! Instead of a regular book, I’m thinking of making a continuous book, like an accordion-style one I found 📖✨. It’s so cool because you don’t just flip pages—you unfold it, and it feels like the story flows nonstop.

This idea fits perfectly with Armenian folklore 🧵. Our traditions are all connected, like one long thread, so this book could show that. I’m also thinking of adding textures, like embossed designs, to make it feel more like the crafts I’m inspired by. Plus, the interactive part is so exciting! It’s not just a book—it’s an experience. You unfold it, and it transforms into an art piece. It’s like blending the past with the present in a way that feels fresh and meaningful.

Illustrations That Tell Stories 🎨✨

I’ve been exploring so many illustrations lately, and honestly, they’re all so inspiring! 😍✨ Each one feels like it has its own story to tell, and it’s really made me think about how I can use illustrations to create storytelling for Threads of Tradition.

I’ve been focusing on the little details—like patterns, textures, and symbols—and imagining how I can bring them to life 🎨✏️. There are so many techniques I could try, from hand-drawing and digital illustration to maybe even experimenting with printing or embossing 🖌️💻🖨️.

The problem is… I have too many ideas! 😂 It’s so hard to choose just one direction because I keep falling in love with every concept I come up with. But I guess that’s part of the process, right? I just need to narrow it down and figure out which one will tell the story best. 🧵📖

Exploring Techniques and New Opportunities 🎨🤝

For my project, I’ve been thinking a lot about the techniques I can use to bring my ideas to life. To get inspired, I decided to visit the Lusik Aguletsi Museum 🏛️. I want to have a conversation with them to see if we can collaborate in some way.

Who knows? Maybe it could turn into something more—like a commercial product, an exhibition, or even something unexpected! ✨ The idea of working together and combining creativity with tradition feels so exciting. I really hope this visit will help me create something meaningful and special. 🙌

Let’s see where this journey takes me! 🚶‍♀️💭

The Power of Symbols and Metaphors 🌟

I believe that symbols and metaphors hold incredible power in shaping how we experience and understand the world around us. When we use symbols, we’re not just creating shapes or visuals—we’re conveying deep, layered meanings that connect us to something bigger. It’s like building a bridge between ideas, emotions, and experiences that transcend words.

What makes symbols so important is their ability to communicate complex ideas instantly. They can tap into our collective consciousness, connecting people to shared values, cultures, and histories. By incorporating symbols into my project, I’m not just creating something visually appealing, but I’m inviting others to engage with these deeper meanings. It’s a way of creating a conversation that goes beyond surface level, encouraging people to think and reflect.

Through symbols, I can tell a story 📖, guide people through a journey, and give them the space to find their own meaning. It’s about offering something that resonates on a personal level, making the experience feel both universal and unique at the same time. This is why I believe using symbols and metaphors is not just a design choice—it’s the core of what I want to communicate with my project 🎨✨.

Armenian Nature and Mythology 🌿✨

For my final project, I decided to explore Armenian natural elements and mythology. Why did I choose this? During Fabricademy, we focused a lot on sustainability, learning about the importance of using natural materials and methods in our projects. We experimented with natural biomaterials, discovered ways to dry and preserve materials naturally, and reflected on how these approaches connect us to our environment. This experience inspired me to dive deeper into my roots and create something meaningful for both nature and my culture. 🌍💫

Inspiration: Armenian Mythology

My project draws inspiration from Armenian mythology and natural symbols. Here are the main legends and elements I’m incorporating:

Legend/Symbol	Meaning
Sun and Moon	Represents light, time, and the cycle of day and night. ☀️🌙
Fire and Water	Symbolizes creation, transformation, and balance. 🔥💧
Light and Darkness	Reflects contrast and harmony in nature. ✨🌑
The Stars	Connects humanity to the universe and the mysteries of the night sky. ⭐
Mountains	Symbols of strength, resilience, and guardians of the land. 🏔️🌄
Վիշապաքար (Vishapakar)	Ancient Dragon Stones 🐉⛰️

The Vision

For my project, I want to combine natural materials with these mythical themes to create a piece that celebrates Armenian heritage and sustainability. Each element of my design will reflect these stories and symbols, showing the connection between mythology and nature.

The Sun and the Moon: A Myth of Beauty and Protection 🌞🌜

The Sun's Life

The Sun lives far away with his mother, in a magnificent palace built of blue marble. This palace stands at the center of the twelve yards. Tired from the intense heat, the Sun descends into the Sea of Baths, where he swims and cleanses himself. Before dawn, angels gently lift the Sun out of bed, dress him in fiery garments. As the Sun awakens, water splashes from his face and falls, covering the mountains and fields with dew. The dew causes all tohuns to wake up from their sleep, beginning their day with joyful songs and chirps.

The Relationship Between the Sun and the Moon

The Sun and the Moon are siblings, traveling through the sky together. One day, as they journeyed side by side, the Moon’s beauty was so captivating that she was touched by the evil eye.

Seeking justice and protection, the Moon turned to her brother, the Sun, and asked him to pierce the eyes of anyone who dared to gaze upon her again. In doing so, the Sun would shield her from the harm of the evil eye and ensure that her beauty would remain unspoiled.

Why It Matters to My Project

The story of the Sun and the Moon highlights themes of protection, beauty, and balance—concepts that align with my project’s focus on nature-inspired, sustainable designs. The myth reminds us of the need to preserve what is precious, much like how I aim to create designs that respect and honor cultural heritage. By incorporating these ancient symbols, I hope to emphasize the importance of balance and respect for nature in my work.

Fire and Water: A Myth of Strength and Balance 🔥💧

The Story of Fire and Water

Fire and Water are siblings—Fire as the sister and Water as the brother. One day, they quarreled over which of them was stronger. To settle the dispute, they decided to face off.

• Fire began burning mountains to prove her power.
• Water, the brother, responded by arriving and extinguishing the flames.

From that day on, Fire and Water were separated. One day, Water came down from the mountain to visit Fire. He spoke to her gently:

• "Let's sit for a while and warm up," he said.

Fire, with a smile, responded:

• "You drink some from me too, and cool down."

This exchange reflects the harmony and balance that can exist between opposing forces, symbolizing how even the strongest elements can find common ground.

Why It Matters to My Project

The myth of Fire and Water embodies the balance between opposing forces, a concept central to my project. It highlights the importance of harmony, cooperation, and understanding between elements that may seem at odds. By integrating this symbolism, I aim to explore the relationship between nature’s contrasting forces and how they can coexist, inspiring designs that respect both strength and balance in nature.

Light and Darkness: The Cycle of Time 🌗

The Story of Light and Darkness

The regular alternation between light and darkness, or day and night, is controlled by Time. He is depicted as an old man with white hair, sitting on a high mountain. In his hands, Time holds a spool of thread—one white and one black.

• On one side of the mountain, he winds the white thread, bringing light.
• On the opposite side, he winds the black thread, bringing darkness.

As the white thread winds down and the black thread unravels, the light fades, and the sun sets, marking the end of the day.

This version captures the essence of the myth, highlighting the balance between light and darkness.

Why It Matters to My Project

The myth of Time, with its symbolic balance between light and darkness, reflects the cyclical nature of life and the interplay of opposing forces. This idea of constant change and balance inspires my project’s focus on harmony between contrasting elements. By integrating these timeless concepts, I aim to create designs that reflect the natural flow of life, emphasizing the importance of both light and darkness in maintaining equilibrium.

The Stars: Celestial Lamps ✨

The Story of the Stars

The stars are celestial lamps that hang high and wide in a heavenly temple, built in an endless and unchanging form. Like canes without a rope, they emit light without oil. Stars can be both kind and evil. Every person is born under one star. If their star is kind, they are lucky; if it's evil, they are unlucky. According to popular beliefs, each person has their own star in the sky, which fades when they are in danger.

Why It Matters to My Project

The belief that our star shines bright when we trust in our own strength aligns with my project’s theme of empowerment and resilience. Just as our fate is tied to the light of our star, I aim to create designs that inspire confidence and encourage individuals to embrace their power, ensuring their “star” never fades.

The Origin of Mountains ⛰️

The Myth of Giant Brothers

The origin of mountains in myths is often anthropomorphic. According to some legends, mountains were once giant brothers. Every morning, they would tightly belt themselves and greet each other with enthusiasm.

But over time, they grew lazy, and instead of tightening their belts, they greeted each other without effort. As a punishment for their neglect, the gods turned the brothers into mountains. Their belts became green valleys, and their tears transformed into springs.

Why It Matters to My Project

The myth about the giant brothers turning into mountains teaches us that neglecting effort and laziness can lead to transformation, but it also shows that beauty can come from change. This idea is important for my project because it highlights the importance of putting in effort and embracing growth. Just like the brothers became mountains, my designs aim to reflect how hard work and perseverance can shape something beautiful and meaningful. The concept of transformation and balance plays a key role in inspiring my work.

Վիշապաքար (Vishapakar): The Dragon Stones 🐉⛰️

What Are They?

Վիշապաքարերը (vishapakar, or dragon stones) are ancient stelae, predominantly found in the Armenian Highlands, dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE. These monuments, characterized by their fish-like or dragon-like carvings, are typically located near springs, rivers, and water sources. They reflect a deep connection between mythology, nature, and ancient Armenian beliefs.

The Origin of the Name "Վիշապ"

The term "վիշապ" (vishap) holds fascinating linguistic and mythological layers:

• In the earliest Armenian translation of the Bible, "vishap dzuk" (վիշապ ձուկ) was used to describe a whale. This points to the original meaning of "vishap" as a giant water creature rather than a serpent.

• Linguist Hamlet Martirosyan breaks down the word into two components:

• "Vish"/"Vij" (to gush forth or spring out)
• "Ap" (water, in classical Armenian)

Thus, "vishap" translates to "water-gusher" or "water-springer," linking it to the idea of abundant, life-giving water.

Cultural and Mythological Significance

Vishapakars were placed near water sources to symbolically protect the flow of water and to mark their sacredness. Legends suggest that defeating a vishap would release water, reinforcing the belief in these stones as protectors of life-sustaining resources.

Why It Matters to My Project

The story of the vishapakar is one of mythology intertwined with practical necessity. Their connection to water as a life force and their monumental design offer inspiration for sustainable projects that honor nature's balance while celebrating Armenia's rich heritage.