Armenian Tradition
In the Armenian tradition, a cultural custom of blessing of the grapes is annually observed each August 12, the in religious commemoration of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. While the blessing of the grapes are not exactly associated with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven, the blessing is nonetheless viewed as a liturgy of thanksgiving by farmers for a plentiful season of harvest and is generally considered a family day by the Armenian peoples. Women often bring baskets of grapes into the church, where a deacon or priest blesses the fruit after the Divine Liturgy and is then followed by a public meal or celebration.
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