The Old Walnut Tree in Haghartsin

Spring is the best time for planting trees. They say that tree planting gives man longevity. Do you know that trees have been idols in Armenia since ancient times? We can see images of life trees symbolizing eternity on our cross-stones, carpets and the walls of cathedrals. In ancient times Armenians had tree rituals, and some of them have preserved until now, for example, Tsaghkazard. Before the Easter, Day on Wednesday night, those who had orchards went into their orchards with axes and hit on the fruit tree trunks three times saying: “Give us fruits or else I will cut you down.” The trees were believed to be more fertile after that.

The walnut tree had its role while building Haghartsin Monastery. In the 13^th century several monks wanted to build a monastery in the valley of the River Aghstev. They were walking about the gorge valley and looking for the best farmer. They found the best farmer and asked him to determine the place where the monastery would be built. The farmer walked around with the monks, stopped somewhere, took the walnut seed out of his pocket and planted it. After a short time the seed gave a sprout which would later give offshoots and little by little grow into a big walnut tree. The tree was named Aghartsi and it was decided that the monastery would be built in that place and would be named Haghartsin.      

Some years ago the walnut tree looked like an old giant. It was the tourists' favourite tree. They took photos beside the tree and passed through the opening in the trunk keeping a dream in their mind and hoping that it would become true. Now it reminds of an old dying man after having been burnt by some people.

Anna Mkrtchyan, Grade 12