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FROM THE MARGINS | BY PATRICK AZADIAN
Los Angeles Times Valley Edition | Glendale News-Press | December 30 2006

Membership comes with benefits

When asked about my nationality, it is not enough just to say, "I am American." There is often a follow-up question such as "No really, what are you?" This happens more often abroad than here in the U.S.

It is without hesitation that I volunteer my ancestry.

I am a follower of the Swedish saying: "If you want to grow, don't cut off your roots."

But, to be honest, saying "I am of Armenian descent" does not carry the same panache as saying "My grandparents were from Florence," or the sophistication of having roots in the Burgundy region of France. It does not even carry the same aura of tracing one's roots to ancient Persia. And of course, claiming one's ancestors may have mingled with Plato and Aristotle is in a league of its own.

But we are what we are, and there is no use in denying one's heritage. Besides, it's not even cool to do that any more. I don't even think it's very American and System of a Down wouldn't approve of it either.

The positive icons associated with my ancestry are not as grandiose as some of the other ancient civilizations.

Yet, being associated with being Armenian carries some positive notes during the year. If System of a Down is having a benefit concert for genocide recognition or one's staying at the Kerkorian-owned MGM Grande in Las Vegas (55% ownership), then there are some tangible accomplishments to be proud of, even if it is only by association.

Still, there are no Armenian equivalents of Italian-made Maserati Quattroportes roaming the street of Beverly Hills, or the fine French Cognac on the shelves at the nearby liquor store. And there are no parallels to the exquisite Persian carpets gracing the numerous mansions around town.

Yet, the holiday season brings about a set of unique advantages to being Armenian. The source of these advantages can be traced to Armenian Christmas being celebrated on January 6.

Theophany or Epiphany (or Astvadz-a-haytnootyoon in Armenian) means "revelation of God," which is the central theme of the Christmas Season in the Armenian Church. During the "Armenian Christmas" season, the major events that are celebrated are the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem and His Baptism in the River Jordan. The major feast in the Armenian Church is January 6.

This is a source of some perks.

First, I can buy my Christmas tree at a bargain-basement price on December 25. As Glendale tree merchants have become more culturally sensitive, I sometimes have to travel outside the borders of our city to strike a deal with the unsuspecting tree seller. Putting on a T-shirt with the slogan "Everyone loves an Italian boy" (also available in the Irish and the Jewish versions) may even cut the price of the tree further.

If I put my pride aside and think about the environment, I could actually pick up a tree off the street for free on December 26. But I haven't crossed that threshold of environmental responsibility yet.

Perhaps the city of Glendale can have a recycling program where Protestants and Catholics alike can sell their pre-owned Christmas trees to Armenians the days after Christmas, thus keeping more trees where they belong – rooted to earth. Just an idea.

Another advantage can be seen in being able to receive gifts on December 25, as well as New Year's Eve.

Gifts for Armenian and non-Armenian friends can also be purchased at the day after Christmas sales with considerable savings. There is a very noble excuse for this: remaining true to Armenian traditions.

Potentially, the holiday season for an Armenians can extend from December 25 to the eve of January 6.

By the time Jan. 6 rolls along all the commercial hoopla has already subsides and the family can celebrate Christmas in peace and possibly more focused on it's true meaning.

And last, but not least, if time has not withered away the tradition of celebrating Christmas on the 6th, one can spend the 25th in Las Vegas, while still enjoying New Year's and January 6 celebrations back at home with family.

It is one of the only times during the year, that one can book a room at MGM Grand for less than a $100/night, mingle with Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu brethren under one happy roof.

I had no idea my ancestry carried so many benefits.

Copyright 2006 Glendale News Press