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Georgia's ancient and venerated tradition of hostility extends to the table as well. Georgian toasting is a thing apart; it is at the very center of our culture, nowhere is it so elaborate, eloquent and inclusive. As the night goes on it inevitably it extends to poetry, psychology and the soaring heights of philosophy, and then back down to the simple joys of life. This is a gift shared by one and all in this land of laughter, love, generosity, food and wine, and guests are always most welcome.
| " | I have yet to come across any other place where a toast raised at a meal is sheer poetry" | Kalpana Sahni
Tamada
The role of tamada, the toastmaster, is an exquisite art form in itself. A tamada must be a philosopher-poet, a wit and jokester, an orator and social commentator, and even a singer who effortlessly improvises an engaging atmosphere of camaraderie and convivial pleasure. A certain pattern and pace must be maintains so that periods of relative quiet and reflection juxtapose with the general joviality and energy of a feast.
Toasts, however, are not simple declarations; they are expected to be speeches mixed with mirth, spoken verse and insight. Toasts are usually made with wine, toasting with beer is an insult to the one toasted. We are very generous with our wine, but since toasts are the only time you are supposed to drink your wine, we have many toasts (we have always been a practical people). In fact, we will use just about anything as an excuse to toast, a foreign guest happens to work quite well. So get used to your family, your country and friendship and your character being toasted.
When you are being toasted, you are expected to wait until the tamada is done talking, then stand up and thank them. Click glasses with everyone but then wait until everyone else is done before drinking your wine and finishing your glass. If the tamada says Alaverdi! to you, you are expected to elaborate on his toast. When a large ram or goat's horn (called the khantsi) is brought out during the meal and filled with wine, then get ready to drink it to the bottom, it is brought out only for honoured guests.
Sometimes the Tamada proposes a toast and everyone around the table is expected to expand on the idea. Each person stands and tries to say something more vital, original and poignant than the last, and it becomes something of a speaking contest adjudicated only by applause and laughter. Order of Toasts
During a formal dinner (supra) Georgians propose toasts, led by the Tamada and which usually have a certain traditional order: First you often drink to peace, and then to the reason for the gathering (to our guests!). To the host, to our parents and ancestors, to friends and to those who are no longer with us. The toasts to love and friendship are vital. Then it's on to the people gathered here, then to Georgia (of course), the guest's country. Women, children and finally a safe journey home.
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