Georgia is the country of traditions. Pretty much every occasion here has its own customs with New Year and Christmas being no exception. While the rest of the world is slowly getting into the festive mood, choosing their Christmas tree, buying gifts, and preparing for the most important feast of the year, Georgians are not in a hurry.
And here is why. Unlike many Catholic countries, Georgia follows the Julien Calendar for its festivities, which means that every special occasion is marked 13 days after. This also applies to Easter.
There’s even a Georgian song called “On December 25th,” where the lyrics clearly state that Jesus Christ was born on this date in Bethlehem.
In Georgia, Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January. This is because the Georgian Orthodox Church (like the Orthodox Churches in Russia, Serbia, and other countries) use the old ‘Julian’ calendar for their festivals.
On Christmas Day, many people will go on an ‘Alilo’, a parade in the streets. They are dressed in special clothes and costumes to celebrate Christmas. Some people carry Georgian flags and others might be dressed as people from the Christmas story. Children like taking part in the Alilo as they’re often given sweets!
The traditional Georgian Christmas Tree is called a ‘Chichilaki’ (ჩიჩილაკი). It’s made of dried wood, such as hazelnut or walnut branches, which are shaved into long curly strips to form a small tree. Some people say they look like the long white curly beard of St Basil the Great! They are decorated with small fruits and sweets.
They are traditionally burnt on the day before the Georgian Orthodox Epiphany (19th January). This is meant to mark the end of the year’s troubles. ‘Western’ Christmas Tree (nadzvis khe) are also popular.
People get their presents on New Year’s Eve (December 31st). Presents are traditionally brought to children by “Tovlis Papa” (or tovlis babua in western Georgian dialects) which means “Grandfather snow”.
On New Year’s eve, Santa down from the mountains of the Caucasus and walks around Georgia to deliver treats and sweets to all the children in Georgia.
Children leave out “Churchkhela” a delicious treat made of walnuts and grape juice, which is shaped like a sausage, for Tovlis Papa. Santa is also often called “Tovlis Papa”, but the real “Tovlis Papa” does not mind, he’s chill like the mountains he lives in!
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