A Culture to Remember

May 31, 2016

By Sananne Wartabetian

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On May 28th 2016, the Montreal Chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) celebrated the end of the second year of their Saturday school. The teachers and students of Hayortyats Or (Day of Armenian Youth), put together an hour-long show of dance, poetry recitation, and singing, celebrating and reinforcing the student’s love of their Armenian heritage. About 50 children, aged 6 to 16, focused and determined to do the very best they could, laughed and performed and proudly showed their parents what they have learned throughout the past 19 weeks.

The central theme of the event was memory and recognition. The teachers seemed to wish more than anything that the children remember what they have learned, and that they realize how Armenian culture can become a central part of their day-to-day life. They praised their hard work and accomplishments in every domain, be it in photography, art, dance, singing, or chess. The children looked happy and at home as the show went on, unknowingly doing their part in assuring the prosperity of their culture. It was most touching to see the youngest group, those aged 6 to 9, so whole-heartedly involved in the show. Not only have they created strong bonds and memories with their friends over the past months, but they have also connected with their culture in a way that is rich beyond words.

It seemed as though AGBU’s entire spectacle hall had somehow collaborated in the making of the show – in the center, the singing and dancing children; around them, their teachers, supervising and organising the numbers they had created; in the audience, the proud parents, who had brought home-baked goods as an end-of-show treat; and surrounding it all, the walls, and designated tables, decorated with the children’s photography and artwork in display for all to see.

Hayortyats Or’s hard work and determination not only produced a heartwarming show, but also served as a reminder for the next generation that Armenian culture is meant to be remembered, celebrated, and lived in.