The apricot is a new symbol of Armenia

Each country has its own symbols. It may be famous buildings, masterpieces of art, or even food and drinks. It’s not clear what kind of symbol is best to represent this or that country, they are all probably quite suitable.

Still, plants and fruits are perhaps the most popular symbols of different countries of the world. For instance, the birch tree is a symbol of Russia, the lime tree is a symbol of Germany, and the apricot is a symbol of Armenia.

Some people believe that each colour of the Armenian flag has its own meaning. The red one is a symbol of blood shed for Armenia’s freedom, the blue one is a symbol of peace, and the yellow one symbolizes the apricot, the Armenian national emblem.

According to historical sources, the Armenians have been planting apricots for almost three thousand years. Apricot stones found in the debris of the temple at Garni prove it. The Romans called the apricot "the Armenian apple." In modern biology the fruit is called Prunus armeniaca or Armeniaca vulgaris.

In fact, Armenian apricots are some of the tastiest. The reason is that the climate of the Ararat valley is very suitable for growing these fruits. In Armenia apricots are not only eaten fresh, but also dried , marinated, and used to produce juice, jam and liquor.

Perhaps apricot has not yet become a mythological fruit, but it’s already clear that it’s a new symbol of Armenia.

Susanna Petrosyan, Yerevan. Exclusively to VK