Georgian hospitality is famous all over the world. The one who tested it on himself, then for a long time recalls a rich feast with cheerful guests, a witty host and shares these memories with others.
From Georgia - Worldwide
It is in Georgia that “alaverds” most often sounds - the word most suitable for fun 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 had already eaten well and “took to their breasts”, it is not easy for fidgets to listen to the sounding toasts to the end, especially if they are distinguished by boredom and frankly boring. So endless “alaverds” of those who are impatient to say their weighty word and add their own clever thoughts to the speech of the toasting sound .
In the best case in the European tradition, Alaverdi means approximately the following: "Let me add to what has been said." When one of the toasts finishes the speech, the other with the word “Alaverdi” continues the development of the topic.
Alaverdi - what is it?
In the Georgian tradition, everything is different. It’s not simply not accepted to interrupt the toast, but is considered the height of ignorance - a manifestation of disrespect for the person invited to the celebration. Only when the toast finishes his speech does he or the master of the house pass the word to another guest. This action, the transfer of toast to another, is the meaning of the word “Alaverdi”. By the way, the explanatory dictionary interprets him that way. And he relates this word to the middle family, puts it among the non-declining and unchanging. True, it also says that it can also be used in the meaning of reciprocal toast, apology or action.
How is Alaverdi translated?
It turns out that the etymology of this word does not connect us directly with Georgia and its hospitality. The word “Alaverdi” consists of two words: allah, which is translated from Arabic as “god”, and verdi in Turkic means “gave”. The result is: "God give 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 it." This option can already be adapted in meaning to the transfer of toast from one speaker to another at a celebration.
Alaverds and Alaverdoba
But how do 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 Kakheti free herself from the Persians. In order for his venture to be crowned with success, he, in turn, asked for help from the Ksan eristavstvo, which was located next door - 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 feast day, which is celebrated on September 28. It was on this day that help arrived to Prince Bidzin, and Kakheti was liberated.
Memory is alive
Aliens ask: Alaverdi - what is it? And Georgians every time they hear this word recall the exploits of their ancestors. And the purpose of the toasts that they pronounce at various festivals is to combine the past, present and future into an indissoluble whole. Therefore, Georgian toasts are often very long, sound for 10 to 15 minutes, contain proverbs and quotes, are necessarily distinguished by wisdom and have an instructive end.
So that the memory does not become dull, a temple of Alaverdi serves as a reminder of long-standing 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 and from raids of enemies, but was restored, for example, in 1741. In this temple is the tomb of the Kakhetian kings. Thousands of pilgrims flock here on September 14, when the temple festival is celebrated.
Alaverdi sounds at feasts
Probably no longer need to ask: Alaverdi - what is it? Since this is a kind of attribute of any Georgian feast. I want to talk about the latter especially.
The Georgian feast is a bewitching action with many customs, reminiscent of a royal feast or theatrical performance. The hospitality of Georgians is worth learning. After all, they will spare nothing for the dear guest. They will put on the table all the best that is in the house. The number of various dishes and drinks may exceed the guests' ability to eat all this.
The main thing at the feast is the host, it is for him that the first toast rises. During the toast of the host, guests must prepare to continue his speech. The host has the right to warn the next "speaker", but he can offer the word unexpectedly, at the end of his toast, uttering "alaverds." According to custom, the feast lasts for many hours. Toastmaster all this time keeps order, announces breaks and even fines late guests.
Nevertheless, the Georgian feast is primarily a contest in eloquence. Traditionally, at such feasts, the theme of the festival is strictly adhered to, 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’s not customary to interrupt the toasting with the Georgians, on the contrary, all the participants in the feast carefully listen to each other.
And finally ...
In the final part of the article on the topic “Alaverdi - what is it?”, Perhaps you should pass the word to the next toast and hear a Georgian toast.
So: “In this hospitable country, there is a belief that the time that a person spends with respected guests does not count towards his age. Therefore, a guest in Georgia is called the messenger of God. SO DRINK for esteemed and dear guests who prolong our youth! ”
Alaverdi!
“A house that does not have a good foundation is being destroyed over time. A family that does not have a prudent and intelligent host is ruined. In a house or in a family where there is no hospitable and kind owner, there are no guests. SO DRINK for the owner of this lasting home, wise and hospitable! ”