Georgia is a country of rich cultural heritage, and one of the most important events in Georgian culture is a wedding. Georgian weddings are known for their traditional customs, delicious food, and lively music. If you ever get the chance to attend a Georgian wedding, don't miss it! In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what it's like to participate in a traditional Georgian wedding.
The Engagement
In Georgia, the engagement period is just as important as the wedding itself. The groom's family will visit the bride's family to ask for her hand in marriage. This is called "qartuli" and involves a lot of negotiations and traditions. The groom's family will bring gifts such as wine, sweets, and bread to the bride's family and the bride's family will prepare a feast in return. This feast is called "satsivi" and it's a traditional Georgian dish made with chicken in a walnut sauce.
During the engagement period, the bride and groom will also exchange gifts. The groom will give the bride a ring, and the bride will give the groom a watch. These gifts are meant to symbolize their love for each other and their commitment to their future together.
The Wedding Day
Georgian weddings are usually held on Saturdays and can last up to three days. The wedding ceremony is held in a church, and the reception is held in a banquet hall or at the groom's family home. The bride and groom will wear traditional Georgian clothing, which is called "chokha" for men and "kakheti" for women.
The Ceremony
The wedding ceremony is a religious one, and it's held in a Georgian Orthodox church. The bride and groom will stand at the altar while the priest performs the ceremony. During the ceremony, the couple will exchange rings, and the priest will bless them. The rings are usually made of gold and are engraved with the couple's initials.
After the ceremony, the couple will leave the church and head to the reception. As they leave the church, guests will throw rice and rose petals at them, which is meant to bring them good luck.
The Reception
The reception is the most festive part of the wedding, and it's where most of the traditions take place. The reception hall will be decorated with flowers, and there will be a lot of food and drinks. The traditional Georgian feast is called "supra," and it's a feast that can last for hours. The supra is led by a toastmaster, who is called "tamada." The tamada will make toasts throughout the evening, and guests are expected to drink to each toast.
The food at the supra is a highlight of the wedding. Georgian cuisine is known for its delicious and flavorful dishes, and the wedding feast is no exception. Some of the most popular dishes served at a Georgian wedding include:
- Khinkali: These are Georgian dumplings filled with meat or cheese. They are a staple of Georgian cuisine and are a must-try at any Georgian wedding.
- Mtsvadi: This is a traditional Georgian barbecue made with marinated meat. It's usually served with vegetables and bread.
- Lobio: This is a Georgian bean dish that's cooked with herbs and spices. It's usually served as a side dish.
- Churchkhela: This is a traditional Georgian candy made with nuts and grape juice. It's a popular dessert at Georgian weddings.
The Traditions
Georgian weddings are full of traditions, and some of them are quite unique. Here are some of the most common traditions you'll see at a Georgian wedding:
- Tamada: The toastmaster is an important part of the wedding, and they are responsible for leading the toasts and keeping the party going. The tamada is usually chosen for their wit and humor, and they will often tell jokes and stories throughout the evening.
- Dancing: Georgians love to dance, and there will be a lot of dancing at the wedding. The bride and groom will have their first dance together, and then everyone else will join in. Georgian folk dances are a big part of the wedding, and guests will often form circles and dance together.
- Bride Kidnapping: This is a playful tradition where the groom's friends will "kidnap" the bride and take her to a different location. The groom will then have to find her and bring her back to the reception. This tradition is meant to symbolize the groom's love for his bride and his determination to be with her.
- Money Dance: This is a tradition where guests will pin money to the bride and groom's clothing while they dance. The money is meant to help the couple start their new life together. It's also a way for guests to show their love and support for the couple.
- Breaking Plates: At some point during the evening, guests will start breaking plates on the dance floor. This is meant to bring good luck to the couple. The tradition is believed to have originated in ancient times when people would break plates to scare away evil spirits.
Conclusion
Participating in a traditional Georgian wedding is an unforgettable experience. From the engagement to the wedding reception, Georgian weddings are full of traditions and customs that are unique to this beautiful country. If you ever get the chance to attend a Georgian wedding, don't hesitate to say yes. You won't regret it!