Splashing of water a pagan throwback to Goddess Astghik Referred to as Baydzaragerbootiun, the Feast of the Transfiguration is one of the five principal feasts of the Armenian Church, so named because of Christ's luminous appearance.  In Armenia it is also known as Vardavar (the Festival of Roses) after the old pagan feast, which it replaced. The feast marks Christ's appearance with a resplendent countenance to three of His disciples, Peter, John, and James, on the holy mountain of Galilee, also known as Mount Tabor. Though it was nighttime, the disciples saw light coming from the sun in the sky.  Among the light they saw two other men—said to be Moses and Elijah—speaking to Jesus about His remaining time left on earth and the sacrifice He would soon make. Then a cloud came upon the group.  The voice of God was heard, saying the same phrase He said when Jesus was baptized, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!" (Luke 9:35). After the Transfiguration, Jesus asked His disciples not to talk about it until His coming Resurrection. The pagan feast Vartavar marked the harvest each year and was traditionally associated with the goddess Asdgig.  Armenians celebrated this goddess with water. To replicate Asdghig's bathing, people would sprinkle each other with rose water and hold a special festival of roses during this joyful feast.  Additionally, family members would adapt their children's games and toys for frolicking water games. With equal glee Armenians rejoiced over agricultural abundance during Vartavar.  It either preceded or coincided with the feast of the harvest, which was the Armenian New Year (Navasart-Amanor).  It was most likely held between August 1 and 6, each year. The official observance takes three days.  Sunday is the principal feast, Monday likewise is an ordained feast day and includes the commemoration of the dead, and Tuesday is a non-festal or weekday dominical. Father Babken says he sees more and more people attending church services, receiving the church’s blessing and listening to the advice of the day. In the Armenian Apostolic Church calendar, the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ (Vardavar) is celebrated 98 days after Easter, during the period from June 28-August 1. This year the holiday will be observed on Sunday, July 11. The tradition of splashing water on one another during the day has no real theological underpinnings according to Father Babken Hayrapetyan, pastor of the Arabkir parish in Yerevan. "Let the living waters flow through you," is a saying by Jesus Christ cited by Father Babken.