Georgian table is so exotic that you’ll fall in love with it at one glance and you’ll never forget its charm.

 

The ritual of relationship is manifested in supra. The table is led by Tamada (the toastmaster). Tamada can be funny and witty, but he must have a serious side, too. He proposes traditional toasts with the word Gaumarjos (long live) to the guests, family members, relatives, motherland, God and all saints, peace, women, to those who passed away (to stop on this toast is a bad sign), after that Tamada says toast to our future, children and finally to meeting again soon. In Georgia you never drink wine without toasting and the glass must be full of drink before each toast, for important toasts Tamada asks people to drain their glasses to the bottom. Women are not expected to drink like the men; they can decide for themselves how much they imbibe, whereas the men have to follow the toastmaster’s directives. It’s also quite important that when things warm up a special vessel, often a horn (Khantsi), will be brought out and passed from person to person. When you drink Khantsi you should stand up. If you want to leave the table you must ask the Tamada for the permission to propose a toast and then toast to the host family and only after that leave the table.

Traditional tables are accompanied by singing and dancing. This is one of the highlights of the supra, as many Georgians sing amazingly well, if you asked to dance Georgian style, don’t worry about mistakes, because Georgians will just be pleased if you have a go.