There is a Georgian saying that a guest is a gift from God. If you should be so fortunate as to be taken in by a Georgian family you are in for a treat. You will find yourself as an honored guest offered as much food, drink and special attention that anyone could possibly hold at one time. Whatever you do, don’t refuse anything because it will leave your host confused and unsatified until you accept whatever it is you are being offered.
Who’s in charge here?
A typical Georgian family is a traditional family. The father is the boss but the mother rules. The children are seen and heard, often quite loud and cheerfully. It may be a multigenerational household, certainly relatives will drop by,invitation or not, anytime without notice. The heart of the house is in the kitchen from where food and drink will flow to all, especially heavily when guests are present.
Mother of Georgia – She symbolizes the Georgian national character: in her left hand she holds a bowl of wine to greet those who come as friends, and in her right hand is a sword for those who come as enemies.
What time did you say?
Georgians run on polychromatic time, which in theory means you can be in two places at once. So, don’t be surprised if nothing occurs on schedule. Spoiler alert: There is no schedule. Everything will occur naturally and you will be the only one stressed if you worry about it.
What to bring – If you are coming from abroad, anything native from where you are coming from is indeed unique and welcome. Even simple souvenirs are a cool token gift. If you want to pick up something local, fresh cut flowers are ubiquitous sold in the street and make a nice gift for the host. A bottle of wine might be ok. However, if your host is traditional and has a country house, his homemade wine will dominate the table with pride and you must try it. Try is an understatement, you will be encouraged to drink much of it and partake in the many time honored toasts that will flow throughout the meal. Quality boxed chocolates or a dish to add to the table are also good things to bring, so bring something.
Georgia Culture, Parikaoba Dance – The culture of Georgia has evolved over the country’s long history, providing it with a unique national culture and a strong literary tradition based on the Georgian language and alphabet. This has provided a strong sense of national identity that has helped to preserve Georgian distinctiveness despite repeated periods of foreign occupation.
A culture of excess
depending on who is the cook and who else is coming, it is possible that the plates of traditional Georgian food will become so numerous that they will have to be stacked in pyramid fashion on the table just to all fit. Another way is simply a never ending parade from the kitchen to the table, so save room. As the famous American baseball coach, Yogi Berra, once said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
Bonus points – call and thank your host the next day for the fabulous feast.
So you think you can drink – If you are not used to eating and drinking as a Georgian, this is not necessarily the best situation to prove your metal. A nice evening will likely be spoiled by incapacitated illness that is almost guaranteed to follow. Learn to not finish your plate and especially your cup because your host will only refill it. When a toast is made, avoid to down the cup as your table mates might. Instead simply take a sip or merely raise your glass along with the others. If you do overdo it, your host will find a bed for you to sleep it off or someone will take you home. Just the same, better to dent your pride than suffer the sickness that will follow for sure.
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