Genealogy Members are Tracing their Roots
Genealogy members, representing Armenia in Eurovision Song Contest 2015 were captures in new photo story. In the photo story 6 artists of genealogy are wearing 19th century Armenian national costumes (TARAZ) and jewelry aligned with the topic.
During the photo shoot Inga Arshakyan from Genealogy was wearing Hamshen Taraz. Being on professional stage for over 15 years already, Inga had the chance to regularly change her appearance and wear different styles of outfits – from ancient Armenian Taraz to stylish European clothes. “When wearing Taraz the look and the world inside is changing as the clothes, shoes, head decorations and jewelry are completely transforming the person. I have a very deep respect towards all of this as part of the ancient culture; it is happiness to have those parts of culture with us today and we are now the carriers of those values.”
Other participants of the band Stephanie Topalian, Mary-Jean O’Doherty Vasmatzian and Tamar Kaprelian were wearing Armenian Taraz from Vaspurakan district.
Stephanie Topalian - You don’t always get to wear those kinds of clothes on regular biases and you need knowledgeable people to help you with clothing. It was such a special moment to wear Armenian national clothes. I believe my grandparents would be so proud. Especially that right now we are in Armenia, it was a very important moment to trace my roots.
Mary-Jean O’doherty Vasmatzian - I was wearing Armenian national costumes for the first time. I find those clothes so beautiful – the hats and the jewelry and all the Armenian patterns. It was very inspiring to feel my ancestry. I have seen pictures of my ancestors wearing these types of costumes and it really meant a lot to me to wear that myself. I sent a small picture to my mother and she said I looked just like my grandmother: it was a special moment.
Tamar Kaprelian- I was honored to wear Armenian National clothes, Taraz. I was shown various outfits and I am so glad to have the chance to choose Taraz from Kharberd – that is where my grandfather is from.
Essai Altounian was wearing Lori district Taraz - It was the first time I was wearing taraz and I felt so proud. It was so classy and beautiful and it got me thinking that even many years ago Armenian people already had their taste in clothes and sense of fashion. Those are “old” clothes but the combination of colors is perfectly combined.
Vahe Tilbian was wearing Vaspurakan Shatakhi district Taraz - I used to wear taraz for Armenian dances back in the days when I was at the Armenian School in Ethiopia. The school used to have a choir and we were all wearing taraz for performances. It was not my first time to wear taraz but when I wore it at Marashlyan studio and looked in the mirror I really felt the Armenian spirit. It reminded me of my Armenian background, though I always remember my Armenian roots, it was a very emotional moment that stamped in my memory.
During the photo shoot Genealogy members learned the history of creation of Armenian Taraz, peculiarities of wearing national clothes also the hidden and obvious meanings of supporting items.
Pictures were taken in Marashlyan photo studio, photographer is Emma Marashlyan.
Please be reminded, that the creative team of the Armenian Public TV Company made a decision to have an original format of entry for Eurovison Song Contest 2015. Genealogy band has been created. The band consists of 6 artist of Armenian origin coming from 5 continents of the world and Armenia. At the Eurovision 2015 the group will sing “Face the Shadow”