Khachkar facts for kids
A Khachkar (pronounced "hahch-kar") is a special carved stone monument found mainly in Armenia. The word "Khachkar" means "cross-stone."
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What is a Khachkar?
These unique stones feature a crucifix or cross carved into them. Below the cross, you'll often see a beautiful rosette or a sun-like circle. The rest of the stone is usually filled with amazing patterns of leaves, grapes, or intricate knots. Sometimes, there's a small ledge at the top with carvings of saints or characters from the Bible.
Why Are Khachkars Made?
Most of the time, a khachkar is put up for religious reasons. For example, it might be made to pray for the salvation (safety of the soul) of someone, whether they are still alive or have passed away.
Khachkars have also been created for other important reasons, such as:
- To celebrate a military victory.
- To mark the building of a new church.
- To ask for protection from natural disasters like earthquakes or floods.
Where Can You Find Khachkars?
Most khachkars are found in graveyards. However, Armenian gravestones come in many different shapes and forms, and only some of them are khachkars.
In the 20th century, the art of carving khachkars became popular again. They are now an important symbol of Armenian culture. You can find hundreds of khachkars all over the world. Many of these are memorials to remember the victims of the Armenian Genocide. For example, there are almost 30 khachkars in public places in France alone.
Since 2010, khachkars, along with their special meaning and the skill used to create them, have been added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This means they are recognized as an important part of human culture that should be protected and celebrated.
Images for kids
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The famous khachkar at Goshavank, carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos.
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The famous 13th century Armenian-inscribed double khachkars of the Memorial Bell-Tower of the Dadivank Monastery
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Khachkars appear in large numbers in the Noratus cemetery.
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A modern-day khachkar carver's workshop in downtown Yerevan.
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A khachkar behind the cathedral in Echmiadzin, Armenia. Place of origin is unknown.
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A modern khachkar at Sourp Kevork church- Beirut, Lebanon (2016)
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in Gyumri
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Khachkar at Haghartsin Monastery, near Dilijan, Armenia.
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The Holy Savior khachkar in Haghpat (1273)
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Various khachkars at Makaravank Monastery in Armenia
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A modern khackhar at the Armenian Catholicossate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon
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Armenian Khachkar
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Armenian Khachkar
See also
In Spanish: Jachkar para niños
