Language / Meals / Traditions / Songs and music


Although much can be said about Georgian traditions, we will only give you a few tips on what is appropriate or inappropriate in the country. Since Georgia is at the junction of Europe and Asia, any tradition here is presented in a moderate way. Besides, you can always ask local people about the details you are interested in.
Family is one of the cornerstones of the Georgian life style. Georgian families are usually extended, i.e. often three generations parents and children live together.
An unusual phenomenon for foreign visitors is the Georgian table, which has a deeper implication than an ordinary meal.

In restaurants and other places the bill is never split and is paid by one person. Normally, men pay for women.
Anyone is allowed to enter a church, but, in this case it is not recommended to wear a low-necked dress, shorts or bathing suits. Women do not usually enter the church bareheaded. In high mountainous regions it is not recommended to wear shorts, bathing suits and low-cut dresse

 

Traditions of Georgian Winemaking
For many centuries winemaking was not only the basis of economic riches of Georgia but also a part of its spiritual culture. Wine for a Georgian is not just a drink. Wine is more like a religion there. Wine strengthens the national spirit, and unites guests of traditional Caucasian feasts. Grapevine is mentioned in the Georgian legends, stories and songs. Wine in Georgia is the national asset attracting tourists from all over the world. Read more



Traditions of Hospitality
Every guest is God-sent” (Georgian proverb). For centuries Georgian people developed traditions of hospitality. Love and boundless respect for guests, devotion to host's duties, traditional feast are passed from one generation to another. As a result Georgian culture is distinguished by high culture of hospitality. In the past centuries the people of Georgia even had special guest rooms or even separate houses the doors of which were at all times open so that a guest could come, eat and spend the night there.

According to Georgian national poetry hospitality is appreciated more than bravery, courage and skilful weapon handling. Georgian folklore idealizes a hospitable, generous owner and blames avaricious one. Great attention is also given to the morals of a visitor. The visitor should be reserved, modest and kind person. According to Georgian (and Caucasian) traditions of hospitality a visitor handed his weapon to the host or the senior person in the family. This highly moral behavior of the visitor projected trust, expressed fidelity and respect of the host. It meant that the visitor had good intentions and came to the family with peaceful and friendly intensions.

 
Back

 © 2009 Discover Georgia - All rights reserved. - Web Development: www.gela.nl