Madagh - Historical Origins & Contemporary Interpretations

Historical Origins & Contemporary Interpretations

Some religious scholars assert that madagh (or sometimes matal) has its roots in ancient liturgical sacrifice, evoking the animal sacrifice of Armenian pagan religious rites. Early Christian church fathers allowed to continue because of its parallels with biblical Old Testament sacrifices and as a means of winning pagan practitioners over to the Church. The legitimation of the madagh sacrifice within the early Armenian Christian church is particularly associated with Gregory the Illuminator. The madagh is still considered one of the most important religious blessings in the contemporary Armenian Church. Contemporary church leaders assert that the ritual today is imbued with a new set of religious significance within the canon of Orthodox Christian practice distinct from whatever pagan roots it may have. Contemporary interpretations link the madagh with the practice of Christian agape, or communal fellowship and love. It is also connected with the practice of religious charity, because the meal is often given to the community for free and is associated with feeding the poor.

Members of the Armenian diaspora typically associate the serving of the madagh with an annual commemoration of "martyr's day", the anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey. Most mark April 24, 1915 as the beginning of the Armenian Genocide, however madagh celebrations take place throughout the summer months. The connection of the madagh to commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey may be a contentious point, as the genocide is not officially recognized within Turkey. This post uses the term "genocide" to accurately reproduce the understanding and interpretations of those populations that are enacting the ritual and is in keeping with most scholarly accounts. Moreover, despite its association with the genocide, the madagh may be used as part of other requiem services (Hokehankisd), including victims of other massacres or departed loved ones.