“Atamhatik” or “agrahatik” is an Armenian tradition celebrated when an infant’s first tooth arrives. It is one of the first and most memorable holidays in a newborn’s life, marked by the company of relatives and friends. “Atamhatik” is a whole system of ritual, and as part of it, objects symbolizing different professions are arrayed in front of a child. The first object chosen by the baby is considered to predict the kid’s future profession. Meanwhile, a piece of cloth is placed on the head, and boiled wheat, chickpeas, barley, and other grains are poured on the cloth. Each of them has its meaning and all of them together, like the ritual, have a sign of health and success so that the child’s life will be successful.

“Atamhatik” is an ancient Armenian tradition that began in unknown times, symbolizing fertility and abundance. In the earliest references to the ritual, only three objects were put before the teething child, and it was not about a profession. Grasping a comb symbolized even teeth, a mirror the symbol of abundance, and a knife was a sign of strength.