Armenian Traditions Continue
Throughout the exhibit it has been noted that stories, artifacts and the pain have been passed on from generation to generation. However, many Armenian families have continued to keep traditions alive.
The passing of traditions from one generation to another is very important to Sara's family. When she was eight she had gone to her Uncle Feny's funeral and heard her family talk about the Armenian cross and the rite of passage to this cross.
When Sara's great-grandmother, Natalie, passed away she was given a gold Armenian cross called a Khachkar. This rite of passage was passed down to Sara and allowed for the Armenian tradition to occur.
"My grandma was like, 'no, this is the Armenian cross which they've tried to erase and destroy in so many places."
During the genocide, there was an intent to destory anything Armenian. However, future generations continue to practice and pass tradition down so that the Armenian culutre stays alive.
In Sara's family, there is a tradition in which engagement rings are bought at Barmakian Jewelers. It started with Natalie, Sara's great grandmother, and has continued into every generation since. This tradition not only supports Barmakian Jewelers, an Armenian owned shop, but also allows for there to be sense of connection to every generation that has gone by.
"My daughter will have a ring from Barmakian's, and my son too if he wants it. But passing that on and just making sure they understand what it means to, to know that history and those stories."
Sara plans to pass this tradition on with her children since there is already history there. Future generations will continue to practice these family traditions to feel connected to their roots.
Diana has always been to the Genocide Commemoration every year in New York. It was something she would do with her family even at a young age. In this video, she explains the importance of continuing this practice with her children. This tradition that Diana's family shares allows future generations to feel connected to their ancestors and other people as they all share the pain of the genocide.