Armenian Proverb
Can one start a fast with katah in one’s hand?
Self-centeredness
We would rather run ourselves down than not talk about ourselves at all.
… La Rochefoucauld
From Churchill’s Famous Speech
… we shall fight on the beaches,
we shall fight on the landing grounds,
we shall fight in the fields and in the streets,
we shall fight in the hills;
we shall never surrender…
Comment: Strange defensive talk when one considers that it was Britain that declared war on Germany, and not the other way around.
Vanishing Armenian Folklore
Dikranagerdtsis abide by the following cultural ritual: When someone who has just taken a bath enters a room, another occupant present says to the bather, “Eristi baknim” (I kiss your face). The bather responds, “Tserkit baknim” (I kiss your hand).
Easier Said than Done
Edo: I’m running for chairman of the Gomideh. Can I count on your vote?
Bedo: Afraid not. I’ve already promised my vote to Arshag.
Edo: (Winking) Well, in politics, promising and performing are two different matters.
Bedo: In that case, I’ll be glad to give you my promise.
What’s in a Name?
Minasian: Mainly Greek or Egyptian in derivation, although the form Mina can be found in other languages. In Greek, menas from mini can mean moon. As Minas, it could be defined as one who is bright in the darkness. In Egyptian, menas from menes can derive from the name of an Egyptian pharaoh, definition unknown.
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