Khachkar facts for kids
A Khachkar or Khatchkar, meaning "cross-stone" is a carved memorial stone found in Armenia.
It has a crucifix or cross, with a rosette or sun circle below it. Other parts can be filled with patterns of leaves, grapes or knots. Sometimes it has a ledge at the top with saints' or characters from the bible.
Much of the time a khachkar is put up for religious reasons such as the salvation of the soul of a living or a dead person. They have also been removed for other reasons, such as to show a military win, building of a new church, or as a protection from natural disasters.
Most Khachkars are in graveyards. But Armenian gravestones take many other forms, and only a small are khatchkars. The art of carving khachkars has witnessed a rebirth as a symbol of Armenian culture in the 20th century. There are hundreds of khachkars worldwide, many of which are memorials to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide. According to one count, there are nearly 30 khachkars on public locations in France.
Since 2010, khachkars, their symbolism and craftsmanship are inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
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
