Since we opened over two years ago, we’ve been surprised to connect with more than a few Armenians in Western MA, and it’s a treat every time!! Imagine finding not one, not two, but like 5 fellow LGBTQ local Armenians - what a gift💕
This last year has been particularly heavy and gathering with other diasporan Armenians has been a nourishing balm. With April being Armenian Heritage Month and Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on the 24th, we decided to host a day of remembrance & togetherness at the shop. We’ll be holding a candle lighting ceremony and forget-me-not seed planting to honor all the lives taken, grieve what was lost and dream into the future together. There will be space on the community altar to include family or village photos or any other small special objects that connect you with your ancestors.
Join us, Hokis, on Saturday April 27th for afternoon of diasporan connection, traditional herbal teas + soorj, heart holding elixirs, poetry, music, folk art and story sharing. For as the old witch saying goes “what is remembered, lives” 💜
🌀This gathering is one of the many threads of lost connection being woven into a practice of remembrance. If you’re anything like me and have ever wondered if you’re “Armenian enough” to come because you’re part Armenian, don’t speak the language, or didn’t grow up in large diasporan communities, you are especially encouraged to attend! This queer centered multigenerational gathering welcomes all Armenians + SWANA (South West Asian North African) folks and supportive non-Armenian friends who wish to join us in remembrance.
Please feel free to share with your Armenian friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc- as events like this are few and far between and are so so special when they happen!
We will have the doors open in the shop for a cross breeze and an air purifier on by the tea table. We kindly ask folks to arrive fragrance free for those of us with scent sensitivities.
Registration is helpful, but not necessary to attend.