It is no secret that the Caucasian holidays are bewitching with its beauty, a large number of guests, beautiful dresses and a rich table. Gaumardzhos - a traditional Georgian wedding is being held in compliance with ancient rules, although modern innovations have made adjustments. The article will tell about how newlyweds are now meeting guests in this country.
Old national customs and traditions
This is now a Georgian wedding preceded by the acquaintance of future spouses. It used to be a custom when the groom stole his future wife. He may not have disappeared now and is still practicing in distant mountain villages.
The girl almost never returned to her parents, since her honor was scolded. In order not to cause discontent among neighbors and numerous relatives, parents had to take this step. Often women commit suicide due to unwillingness to marry the unloved. Of course, there are many cases when a strong and friendly family has developed.
Georgians are a very hospitable people. It is still customary to invite all relatives on the part of the bride and groom to such a great holiday. Refuse is not accepted. This causes resentment, and they can even put in a special book the names of people who did not share the joy of the family. That is why, following traditions, a Georgian wedding gathers a huge number of people.
After the wedding night, the mother-in-law carried a sheet from the bed of the bride and groom in order to prove the chastity of the daughter-in-law. If the girl was not a virgin, then she was kicked out in disgrace.
Only sweets were put on the wedding table for the young people so that none of the guests could see the spouse eating.
Previously, the holiday, when a new family was formed, was celebrated only in the house of the bride or groom. Despite the fact that now a lot of European is gained in the celebration, many ceremonies remain. But about them in order.
Machankloba
So in Georgian is called the first stage - matchmaking. Of course, now the young themselves get to know each other and choose a mate, but without the approval of the parents the ceremony will not take place. There are exceptions, but they try to educate children so that they listen to the opinions of elders.
Here, the rites of the Georgian wedding are not very different from the Russian. The groom must come to the bride's house with relatives to ask for her hand. The girl’s parents meet the matchmakers with a magnificent feast, during which the boy’s side extols him. They should list all the most positive points.
Everyone is waiting for the appearance of the bride, who must give her consent to marry. And with a positive answer, the feast continues. Often even neighbors are involved in this process.
Then the holiday moves to the house of the future husband, where a table is also set.
Nishnoba
Like the Georgian wedding itself, preparations also take several days. The time has come for the engagement of a young man and a girl.
Taking with them many gifts (it can even be just flowers, an expensive bottle of cognac and sweets), the groom’s parents visit the bride’s house with him again. On the table should be national dishes and a lot of wine, which should not end while the matchmakers are away. Therefore, they stockpiled in advance.
Men and women are separated before the feast, discussing various topics. And now the guy is already sitting next to his beloved. Everyone is waiting for the groom’s father to stand up and make his toast, in which he will express the joy of the upcoming relationship with the bride’s parents. Only after that a beautiful ring will be presented to the future wife (sometimes this is a family heirloom, which passes from generation to generation). Gifts do not end there. No one should be left out.
During the conversation, the financial side and organizational aspects will also be touched. Discuss the wedding venue. More often than not, almost everything has to be paid by the groom.
When the matchmakers gather, they are given khachapuri and various sweets with them.
Bridal wear
Purchase of dresses also takes place according to tradition. So, at a Georgian wedding, the future husband buys beautiful clothes for the girl.
The outfit should consist of two parts. A shirt with a collar is worn down. He shows modesty and innocence. Above is a black or light dress, which according to tradition should be richly embroidered, the sleeves have deep cuts. The bride must be belted. The girlfriends braided a braid and put on a headdress with a veil - chihti-mines or mandalas. The neck can be decorated with a beautiful necklace and pearl thread.
The groom used to be picked up by the outfit (chohu) of the bride. It consisted of a white shirt with a stand-up collar. On top was a dark or light shade cloak embroidered in gold with a satin lining. The groom girded and was without weapons. On his feet are leather boots.
Ransom bride
It used to be that the groom had to redeem the bride, giving her parents cattle. Now it can be simple gifts that the matchmakers have prepared for future relatives, and the ransom is more entertaining in nature. It all depends on the well-being of the family.
Since all the girls live in their parental home before the wedding, this ceremony takes place there. But in many regions of Georgia, before, grooms could come and even live with the bride after being engaged.
The bride's dowry has always been modesty, chastity. It should be complaisant and, of course, economic.
The time comes for the next stage - a beautiful Georgian wedding.
Triumph
First, the young people go through the obligatory rite - the wedding. Previously, it was considered even more important than the stamp in the passport.
From this moment, the Georgian wedding begins. There are very beautiful churches in Georgia, and there is no way to squeeze in during marriage days. At the exit of the newlyweds, a peculiar arch will be waiting for them, which are made of daggers by the groom's friends. So they give protection to a new unit of society.
Then all go to the registry office in order to legitimize their relationship. Now they often began to divide the two events into two days.
Further, it is customary to drive through the streets with a whole motorcade, waving hands. The sound of the horn is heard for several kilometers. So the husband and wife share their happiness.
Inspection of a new home
After a traditional photo shoot, the guy takes his chosen one to get acquainted with his house.
Before the entrance, a mandatory rite - the young break the most beautiful plate for happiness. After the groom will climb on the roof to release a white bird.
Wine is served. The first glass is handed to her husband. They lead the wife around the house, scattering the grains of various cereals in the corners. It is believed that this will bring wealth to the home, and offspring to the family. The symbol of the hearth is the cauldron, and the girl necessarily touches it. Relatives put a pot of oil, around which she has to go around three times.
The wooden ornaments presented to the young personify the Tree of Life. Before a kiss with her husband, so that in the future only sweet statements can be heard, the wife is smeared with honey on her lips.
After followed by glasses of wine, the young ones pronounce their oaths. The groom throws a ring into his glass, takes a sip, gives the bride a drink and puts this sign of matrimony on the wife’s hand.
On this solemn part is completed.
Kotsili
This is what the feast at the Georgian wedding is called. Photos confirm the grandeur of the celebration, which can last a whole week.
Now, due to the large number of guests, expensive restaurants are being rented. Toastmaster is usually chosen from relatives. If the wedding tables are divided, then helpers (friends of the groom) help to entertain the guests behind each table. No one should get bored.
On the tables are the most delicious treats. The presentation of dishes differs from the Russian wedding. From the aromas of kupat, kebabs, eggplant just reduces the stomach. Anyone would like to visit such a table. This variety of treats is not common:
- chikhirtma and tolma;
- Satsivi and Kuchmachi;
- ajapsandal and kababi;
- a lot of greenery;
- a variety of cheeses;
- vegetables and fruits;
- sweets.
The main dish at the wedding was always soup.
All tables are lined with traditional Georgian wines and cognacs that help guests make wonderful wishes. Each Georgian toast at the wedding for the newlyweds is full of meaning. You will not hear "Bitter!".
Before leaving, the couple cut the cake, holding a knife with both hands. And the groom takes the first piece to the most respected guest.
They even have something like a contest "Who will sit at the table longer?" Some families manage to celebrate until the morning. Hashi awaits them in the morning. This broth is specially boiled on the second day from beef stomachs and legs with the addition of garlic. They say that this is a great cure for a hangover. After all, there are still several days ahead.
Dancing and gifts
Live music is played all evening and, of course, dancing begins. If the young invited professional dancers, then there will be a stunning sight. We all saw the graceful movements of the girls and the perfectly honed movements of real dzhigits. Each wave of the hand or look has its own meaning.
The bride should only dance with the groom or close relatives. But there comes a time when she performs her Georgian dance at a wedding, circling around the hall. Guests give her money, which she disposes of at her discretion. Everyone is happy to dance and dance. Also at a wedding in Georgia, folk songs are always heard.
Giving expensive gifts to newlyweds is a tradition. They must be signed. After the spouse, opening the gifts, they write down in a special family book who presented what. This is done in order to make a more profitable purchase at the wedding of relatives. The most generous are even recorded as guests of honor at home.