February 13, 2013 - 10:59 AMT
Armenia celebrates holiday of Trndez Feb 13

Armenia celebrates the holiday of Trndez on February 13.

Trndez (also Tyarndarach and Candlemas Day) is a feast of purification in the Armenian Apostolic Church and Armenian Catholic Churches.

The celebration of the Trndez is pagan in origin and is originally connected with sun/fire worship in ancient pre-Christian Armenia, symbolizing the coming of spring and fertility.

On this day, sweethearts leap over bonfires with their hands clasped to symbolize eternal love.