When traveling to Armenia, understanding the local customs and etiquette is key to making a great impression. Armenians are known for their warmth and hospitality, but they also have a strong sense of tradition. Knowing what to expect and how to act can help you connect with locals and make your trip more enjoyable.
Greetings in Armenia
Armenians are usually friendly and open. A common greeting is a handshake accompanied by a smile. If you know someone well, a hug or even a kiss on the cheek (usually the left) is normal. Men often greet with a firm handshake, while greetings between women or between a man and a woman tend to be more gentle.
It’s polite to greet everyone in a group when you arrive at a social event. You should shake hands or offer a verbal greeting to each person, starting from the elders. When leaving, say goodbye to everyone as well.
Basic Phrases to Know
Learning a few local phrases can go a long way:
- “Barev” (Բարեւ) – Hello
- “Inch’pes es?” (Ինչպե՞ս ես) – How are you?
- “Shnorhakalut’yun” (Շնորհակալություն) – Thank you
Dress Code
While Armenians are generally casual when it comes to clothing, there are a few things to keep in mind. In Yerevan, casual pants and shirts are fine, but dressing up a little is appreciated in social and formal settings. People in rural areas tend to dress more conservatively.
If visiting churches or monasteries, modest clothing is essential. Women should cover their heads, and both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Though headscarves are not strictly required anymore, bringing one along shows respect.
Hospitality Culture
Hospitality in Armenia is taken seriously. It’s common to be invited into someone’s home for a meal or tea; refusing such an invitation might be seen as slightly rude.
If you are invited for dinner, it’s a nice gesture to bring a small gift. Flowers, sweets, or a bottle of wine are good choices. If bringing flowers, an odd number is customary as even numbers are reserved for funerals.
When dining in someone’s home, expect the host to serve you large portions of food. It’s polite to accept a second (or even third) helping if offered. Complimenting the dishes shows appreciation, and Armenians take pride in their cooking.
Toasting Tradition
The tradition of toasting is important in Armenian culture. During gatherings, a toastmaster, known as a “tamada,” leads the toasts. It’s respectful to wait for the tamada’s toast before drinking and only raise your glass after a formal toast has been made.
Shoes Etiquette in Homes
In most Armenian households, removing your shoes before entering is standard. Slippers are usually provided. Even if not explicitly asked to do so, it’s polite to ask, “Shall I remove my shoes?” when entering someone’s home.
Religious Customs
Armenia is the first nation to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion in the early fourth century. The Armenian Apostolic Church is central to many religious customs in the country. While Armenians are generally tolerant of other religions, it is important to be respectful of their Christian traditions.
Church services are held multiple times during the day on Sundays, but they’re generally informal, so people come and go as they please. Men should remove hats inside churches, and it’s considered impolite to speak loudly or make noise.
Bowing and Kissing Crosses
If you visit a church, you might notice locals bowing and kissing the cross, icons, or sacred objects. Though you don’t have to participate in the kissing, bowing your head slightly shows respect.
Social Etiquette
Armenians are quite conservative regarding personal space. Whether in public or private settings, maintaining some personal space is appreciated, although close friends and family will often disregard this rule.
Public displays of affection between men and women are not common, especially outside of urban centers like Yerevan. While a hug or holding hands is fine between couples, anything more intimate may attract unwanted attention.
It’s also important to show respect toward elders in Armenian society. Address them formally unless they invite you to use their first name. Small gestures of respect—like offering your seat or standing when an elder enters the room—are noticed and appreciated.
Restaurant and Café Etiquette
In restaurants, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A tip of 5-10% is common, although leaving more for exceptional service is welcomed. If service is included in the bill, leaving a small amount of change is still customary.
When dining out, groups often split the bill evenly, but it’s also common for one person to cover the total bill as a gesture of hospitality. If you’re the guest, you might want to offer to pay, though your host will usually decline.
Communicating with Locals
Armenians are polite and rather formal when they first meet someone. As the conversation progresses, people tend to become more relaxed, but it’s good to start out with a respectful tone.
Avoid discussing sensitive political issues with people you have just met. Armenia has a complex history, and topics like the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict or relations with neighboring countries can lead to tense discussions. Focus on cultural or everyday topics instead.
If you want to make a good impression, show interest in Armenia’s history and culture. Armenians are proud of their heritage and enjoy sharing stories about their country’s past.
Gift-Giving Customs
If you’re invited to an Armenian home, it’s customary to bring a small gift. As mentioned before, flowers, sweets, or alcohol are typical choices.
When giving flowers, always choose an odd number; even numbers are considered bad luck. If giving alcohol, Armenian brandy is a popular and meaningful option. Many hosts will serve the gifts to their guests as an expression of hospitality.
Gifts for children are also appreciated. If your host has kids, a small toy or set of sweets can be a lovely gesture.
Visiting Religious Sites
Armenia has stunning churches and monasteries, and visiting these places is highly recommended. However, there are a few rules to keep in mind.
First, always keep a respectful attitude when visiting sacred spaces. Don’t run or speak loudly. If a service is in progress, it’s courteous to wait until it’s over before walking around and taking photos.
Photography rules vary between locations. In some churches and monasteries, you are allowed to take photos, but it’s always polite to ask first. Flash photography might not be permitted in some areas, especially around ancient manuscripts or icons.
Final Thoughts on Armenian Etiquette
Understanding Armenian customs and traditions will help you have a richer and more respectful experience. Remember, Armenians appreciate politeness and respect in their social encounters, and they are very proud of their culture.
Approach with a friendly attitude, show respect towards religion and elders, and participate in their hospitality. Following these simple tips will ensure you have a much smoother journey and maybe even make a few friends along the way!
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