Pages Introduction 1-2 Part I. Legends Chapter I. The geography of Armenia 5-8 Chapter II. Ancient historical legends 9-23 Section 1. The legend, of Haic 9 2. The legend of Ara and Semiramis 10 3. Historical background of the legend of Ara and Semiramis 11 4. The legend of Vahakn 14 5. The historic background of the legend of Vahakn 15 6. The period of national integration 17 7. Legends of Artasches and Artavasd 20 8. Conclusions 22 Chapter III. Legends of the conversion to Christianity 24-38 Section 1. Pre-Christian mythology and religion 24 2. Legends of Abgar, Thaddeus, and St. Bartholomew 27 3. Legends of Rhipsime and Gregory 29 4. The Armenian church as a social force 34 Chapter IV. Locality legends 39-44 Section 1. Ararat 39 2. Khor-Virap and Erzerum 43 Chapter V. Interpretation and conclusions 45-48 Part II. Festivals Chapter I. The Gregorian church 51-55 Chapter II. Pagan folk festivals 56-66 Section 1. Vartavar and the Festival of Mihr 56 2. The Day of the Dead and Vartan's Day 58 3. Fortune-Telling Day 62 Chapter III. Christian folk festivals 67-78 Section 1. Christmas, Easter, and New Year 67 2. Special church ceremonies 71 Chapter IV. Private festival occasions 79-90 Section 1. Baptism 79 2. Betrothal 80 3. Marriage 83 4. Funeral 87 Chapter V. Summary 91-96 Conclusions 92 Bibliography 99-100 INTRODUCTION