The Blessing of the Grapes (Spring 07)

We Grow Raisins in Fresno!

by Emily Bagdasarian

Well, now that I have your attention, I guess it’s only right to elaborate. It’s no secret that Fresno, and in general, the Central Valley boasts a prolific agricultural industry.

But what may be unfamiliar to some Armenians, particularly those who do not trace their roots to the San Joaquin Valley, is the annual Blessing of the Grapes Festival.

Typically, on, or around, August 15, Armenians from all around Fresno, young and old, Tashnak or Hnchak, Eastern or Western, gather at the Armenian Elderly Home to celebrate two seemingly paradoxical festivals.

On one hand, the “Assumption of the Holy Mother of God,” which celebrates the Virgin Mary’s life and death; on the other, the Blessing of the Grapes. These two are contradictory in that the former embodies virginity and purity while the latter espouses fertility and procreation.

In predominantly agricultural communities, where daily life revolved around the crops, it makes sense that particular attention was paid to factors such as abundant sun and water.
The calendar typically ran around the agricultural year which naturally included crucial points such as spring, boasting rain and sun for the crop. Therefore, the veneration of fire and water as two integral elements of our former paganism makes sense.

Enter the link to Christianity. Traditionally, the grapes held a special place of honor and were considered to be the “first fruits” because they were the first produce of harvest.
While in times of paganism, the Armenians presented the crops to the Gods in the temple with a bonfire, known as Dyarnuntarach, it has evolved into an offering to the Christian God. By offering God this “first fruit,” the Armenians convey their dependence on Him.

In addition, Armenian Church doctrine expresses that through the Virgin Mary, God became flesh. Thus, she is seen as the image of humanity fully obedient to God’s will. Therefore on the day of the feast remembering her Assumption and Dormition, we also celebrate the Blessing of the Grapes.

Ultimately, the annual blessing of the grapes draws its origins from paganism, and has been Christianized.

Setting the history aside, the annual picnic is a central part in the lives of the Central Valley Armenians. First there is the main liturgy; afterwards the blessing and distribution of the grapes; finally, the festivities begin.

The Grape Blessing Picnic is always a day filled with wonderful food and music. Typically, a band plays Armenian music while others engage in circle dances or other types of traditional Armenian dance. In addition, delicious barbeque is served all day (or until it runs out!) for hungry patrons.

Kids run back and forth between the men who play nardi or chess, and the women who drink sourj under the shady trees.

The bottom line remains not that our present maintains such ties to its past, but that once a year, Armenians and non-Armenians from all walks of life come together to enjoy delicious cuisine, dance to lively music, and bond over a challenging game of Nardi. Some of my favorite childhood memories take place in the gardens of the Central Valley Armenian Elderly Home.
Welcome to Fresno; welcome to where we grow raisins!