Arevakhach

8-winged Arevakhach

Arevakhach (Armenian: Արեւախաչ, "Solar Cross") and Ker khach (Armenian: Կեռ խաչ, meaning "Crooked Cross"), khach paterazmi (Armenian: Խաչ պատերազմի , the "Cross of War"), Vardan (Armenian: Վարդան, meaning "Turning"), in some sources as referred to as the Armenian swastika is one of the traditional Armenian character, a peculiar kind of a swastika that symbolizes the eternal light.

The earliest swastikas in Armenia relate to the Neolithic period of human cultural evolution (about 7000-5000 BC. E). Many petroglyphic swastikas were found in the Armenian Highland. The main value of arevakhach is the sun, and hence the light, the movement of life, prosperity, happiness, eternity, good fortune, and ultimately the God.

Armenian swastikas can be found on masterpieces of medieval Armenian architecture (such as the main tower of the medieval Armenian capital city of Ani), on Armeninan khachkars (cross-stones), Armenian carpets, and manuscripts. The seventh letter of the Armenian alphabet - "E" (with a meaning "is" or "to be") - is also depicted as half-swastika.

Arevakhach

See also

• Armenian cross
• Swastika

Further reading

• Abraham Shahinyan. Armenian khatchkars and it's endgraving (9-13 cent.) — Yerevan, 1970. (Armenian)
• Artak Movsisyan. Armenia at 3rd millennium BC — Yerevan: Jason publishing house, 2005. (Armenian)
• Ruben Eghiazaryan. Celtic symbol and Armenian tradition, Yerevan, Yerevan State University publishing house, 2005 (Russian)