ԴՐԱՄՆԵՐԻ ՄՈԳԱԿԱՆ ԵՎ ԳԵՂԱԳԻՏԱԿԱՆ ԱՐԺԵՔՆԵՐԸ (ՀԱՅ.) / MAGICAL AND AESTHETIC VALUES OF COINS

Abstract

In folk traditions and beliefs, money has various properties in addition to its main function- the amount of value. In Armenian folk beliefs, coins protect against evil forces –they are apotropaic charms; besides, they bring abundance, happiness, health, growth, etc. Thus, they play an important role in popular feasts and rituals. The supernatural features of coins are related to the power attributed to metals. Coins save from terrible dreams, help to overcome fear, heal the diseases, protect from the evil eye, ect. According to the foundation ritual when building a house, money is placed in the basement- in the corner, under the threshold, in walls so that the building be strong: the devils are afraid of the coins so they do not approach and destroy the house. Besides, the coins bring abundance, wealth, fortune, and many children. The practice of consecrating foundation offerings originated as early as the art of building. On the occasion of engagement ceremonies and wedding rituals both jewellery and money were presented to the newlyweds. In agricultural rites, the coins help to ensure the fertility of the soil: when plowing the land, money is thrown into the first furrow and when planting a tree, money is put into the pit for auspicious growth and abundant harvest. Money is a means of divination. The most powerful coin is the one got out of the New Year's bread called “tari hats” (literally: year bread). The person who finds it is “the owner of the year and the luckiest one”. He keeps it in his purse so that it be full of money all year round or takes it to the church, buys a candle and lights it, praying before the saints. Money is a charm by itself or a component part of various charms. The magical power of money comes from the moon (besides the metals). As the symbol of the adorable moon, the coin bears its miraculous features. Especially the growing new moon brings happiness, health, and fullness. In order “to turn the coin into a new moon”, the coin was cut (circular on the bottom) by special people: 1. the priest during the liturgy, 2. the witch, praying on the new moon, 3. the blacksmith, 4. the member of the family that has received this gift from above. Jewellery and patterns symbolizing the moon have always been of special value and popular in Armenia. It is noteworthy that pendants of different decorations symbolizing the new moon (called "new") made in various jewellery techniques were often replaced by coins in 18th – 20th centuries. Most of the ornaments have their counterparts in coins, such as forehead ornaments, bracelets, breast ornaments, belts and the like. But more common were the countless types of jewellery and amulets mixed with coins (Russian, Ottoman, Persian and European) and various types of jewellery. The money, which is not made of metal, and was of great importance in Armenia was the cowrie shell. Besides their monetary value, they were used as magical multi-functional amulets and adornments. These shells were obtained from the Indian, Pacific Oceans, Mediterranean and other seas and were brought to Armenia since ancient times as evidenced by archaeological excavations in different regions of Armenia.