Georgian hospitality is famous all over the world. Those who experienced it for themselves then remember for a long time a rich feast with cheerful guests, a witty toastmaster, and share these memories with others.
From Georgia to worldwide
It is in Georgia that “alaverdi” is most often heard - the word most suitable for merry feasts. However, it has already migrated to other countries, especially in the post-Soviet space, where it is not always used for its intended purpose.
For example, at a noisy feast, when people have already had a good meal and “took it on their chest”, it is not easy for fidgets to listen to the end of sounding toasts, especially if they are boring and frankly boring. Here are the endless "alaverdas" of those who can not wait to say their weighty word, to add their own smart thoughts to the speech of the toast.
At best, in the European tradition, Alaverdi means approximately the following: "Let me add to what has been said." When one of the toasters finishes his speech, the other with the word "alaverdy" continues the development of the topic.
Alaverdi - what is itlike this?
In the Georgian tradition, everything is different. Interrupting a toast is not only not accepted there, but is considered the height of ignorance - a manifestation of disrespect for the person invited to the celebration. Only when the toast has finished his speech, he or the toastmaster pass the word to another guest. This action, passing the toast to another, is the meaning of the word "alaverdi". By the way, the explanatory dictionary interprets it that way. And he also refers this word to the middle gender, puts it in the number of indeclinable and unchangeable. True, it also says that it can also be used in the meaning of a response toast, an apology or an action.
How does Alaverdi translate?
It turns out that the etymology of this word does not directly connect us with Georgia and its hospitality. The word “Alaverdi” consists of two words: allah, which is translated from Arabic as “god”, and verdi, which means “gave” in Turkic. The result is: “God bless you”, or in another version: “God bless you.”
True, there is another translation, when both parts of the word are translated from Turkic: “ala” - “take”, “verdi” - “gave”. It turns out, something like: "I give, you take." This option can already be adapted in meaning to the transfer of a toast from one speaker to another at a celebration.
Alaverds and Alaverdoba
But how do the Georgians themselves interpret what "alaverdi" means? Their version comes from historical events. In the 17th century, one of the famous princes of Georgia, Bidzina Cholokashvili, decided to help Kakhetia free itself from the Persians. So that his idea is certainly crowned with success,he, in turn, asked for help from the Ksani eristavstvo, which was located in the neighborhood - in the Ksani gorge. The neighbors did not refuse, they sent a messenger with a message that still had to be correctly understood. The prince translated the message correctly: the word "alaverds" meant Avelardoba - the patronal feast, which is celebrated on September 28. It was on this day that help arrived in time for Prince Bidzina, and Kakheti was liberated.
Memory lives on
Strangers ask: Alaverdi - what is it? And every time the Georgians hear this word, they remember the exploits of their ancestors. And the purpose of the toasts that they pronounce at various festivities is to connect the past, present and future into an inseparable whole. Therefore, Georgian toasts are often very long, sound from 10 to 15 minutes, contain proverbs and quotes, are necessarily distinguished by wisdom and have an instructive end.
In order not to dull the memory, the Alaverdi temple serves as a reminder of ancient events. However, it was built long before the events described in the 5th century by Abba Joseph, who then preached the Christian faith in Georgia. The ancient temple is located near the city of Telava. Of course, it was repeatedly destroyed from time to time and from enemy raids, but it was restored, for example, in 1741. In this temple is the tomb of the Kakhetian kings. Thousands of worshipers flock here on September 14, when the temple holiday is celebrated.
Alaverdi sounds at feasts
Probably, it is no longer necessary to ask: Alaverdi - what is it? Since this is a kind of attribute of anyGeorgian feast. I want to talk about the latter especially.
Georgian feast is a fascinating action with many customs, reminiscent of a royal feast or a theatrical performance. The hospitality of Georgians is worth learning. After all, they will not regret anything for a dear guest. Put on the table all the best that is available in the house. The number of all kinds of food and drinks can exceed the capacity of guests to eat it all.
The main thing at the feast is the toastmaster, it is for him that the first toast is raised. During the toast of the toastmaster, the guests must prepare in order to continue his speech. The toastmaster has the right to warn the next "speaker", but he can offer the word unexpectedly, at the end of his toast, saying "alaverdi". As usual, the feast lasts for many hours. Tamada keeps order all this time, announces breaks and even fines late guests.
And yet, the Georgian feast is primarily a competition in eloquence. Traditionally, at such feasts, they strictly adhere to the theme of the festival, observing a certain order from the first toast to the last. All toasts have musical and song accompaniment. It is important that the toast does not suffer from idle talk and flattery, but is distinguished by sincerity, truthfulness and wisdom.
We repeat once again: it is not customary to interrupt a Georgian toasting, on the contrary, all participants in the feast listen carefully to each other.
And finally…
In the final part of the article on the topic "Alaverdi - what is it?", Perhaps, the floor should be passed to the next toast andhear Georgian toast.
So: “In this hospitable country, there is a belief that the time a person spends with honored guests does not count towards his age. Therefore, the guest in Georgia is called the messenger of God. SO DRINK to the respected and dear guests who prolong our youth!”
Alaverdi!
A house that doesn't have a good foundation collapses over time. A family that does not have a zealous and intelligent owner is ruined. In a house or in a family where there is no hospitable and kind host, there are no guests. SO DRINK to the owner of this solid home, wise and hospitable!”
