Armenian forget-me-not

On the eve of the anniversary year, the working group formed by the state commission of the Republic of Armenia for coordination of events held a two-round competition and, based on its results, chose the symbol of 2015. According to Vigen Sargsyan, the coordinator of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, out of several dozens of works, the symbol proposed by “Sharm” company - a flower of forget-me-nots - was chosen. “This flower in all languages ​​has a symbolic meaning - to remember, not to forget and to remind” ^[1] .

The emblem expresses the theme of eternal memory, and is also intended to symbolically remind the past, present and future of the Armenian people ^[2] . “Selected colors symbolize the past, the tragedy of the Genocide, the present and the future” ^[1] . The constituent elements of the flower have the following meaning ^[2] :

• The past: the black center symbolizes the suffering of 1915 and the dark consequences of genocide.
• The present: light purple small petals symbolize the unity of the Armenian communities around the world, united together in remembrance of the 100th anniversary.
• Future : Five large dark purple petals symbolize the five continents where survivors of the genocide found a new home. “The five petals of forget-me-nots are the five continents that gave refuge to the Armenian refugees who created the Armenian communities there, forming the Armenian diaspora” ^[1] . The dark purple color resembles the traditional colors of the priestly vestments of the Armenian Apostolic Church , which “was, is and remains the heart of Armenian identity” ^[2] .
• Eternity : The 12 trapeziums that make up the core of the flower symbolize the 12 pylons of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial. Yellow color means light, creativity and hope ^[2] .

Although the flower depicted on the emblem is translated from the Armenian language as “forget-me-not” (a similar English translation is “forget-me-not” ^[2] ), it differs from the usual forget-me-not by the color - purple is used, not usual blue . The flower beds of the Tsitsernakaberda memorial complex in Armenia, as well as in Yerevan in the spring of 2015 were not planted with forget-me-nots, but with large violet violets with a uniform color of petals.

The emblem can be used separately or accompanied by the motto “Remember and demand” ^[1] . “The chosen motto is intentionally emphasized and personified, so that everyone, speaking these words, remembers the story of his family, the tragedy we experienced and the demand that we see in this context, he presents to the whole world,” said Vigen Sargsyan , head of the Armenian President’s Office, coordinator events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide ^[3] .

During commemoration events in the spring of 2015, the emblem was actively used:

• On April 4, delegations from 60 countries created a forget-me-not wreath in the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex ^[4] .
• At the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, six contestants from Armenia symbolized forget-me-not ^[5] .
• Symbolism with the image of forget-me-nots adorned the windows of many shops and cafes, as well as car windows in the capital of Armenia and other cities around the world. Violet color began to be used in the design of public institutions, including schools. Many souvenirs with the image of a flower were issued - stickers, badges, key rings, T-shirts ^{[6] [7]} .
• On January 29, 2015, the Armenian Post issued a series of 7 standard stamps dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the genocide - with the image of forget-me-not ^[8] .

The mass nature of the action and its populism provoked condemnation among some representatives of the Armenian intelligentsia, condemning its officialism ^{[9] [6]} .

The site, created to coordinate events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, states that the “Forget-Me-Not" symbol is protected by copyright. The state has the exclusive right to use it. Those organizations or private entrepreneurs who wish to use “Forget-Me-Not” to organize souvenir production should apply for permission, but many independent entrepreneurs use it to design their own products ^[7] .

• George Ribbon

• Symbol of Armenian Genocide 100 Centennial and Slogan - video, Armenian