"Alaverdi" - what is it? The meaning of the word "alaverdi". How to translate "Alaverdi"

Georgian hospitality is famous all over the world. Those who experienced it on themselves, then for a long time recalls a rich feast with gay guests, witty toastmaster and shares these memories with others.

From Georgia - all over the world

It is in Georgia most often sounds "alaverdi" - the word most suitable for gay banquets. 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, on a noisy feast, when the people are already well-seasoned and "took to the chest", it's not easy for people not to listen to the sounding toasts to the end, especially if they are boring and frankly boring. That sounds endless "alaverdi" those who can not wait to say their weighty words, add to the speech of the toasting their own clever thoughts.

At best, in the European tradition, alaverdi means approximately the following: "Permit me to add to what has been said." When one of the protesters ends 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. The toasting is not simply not accepted, but is considered the height of ignorance - a display of disrespect for the person invited to the celebration. Only when the toastman ends his speech, he himself or the toastman give the word to another guest. This is the action, the transfer of the toast to another, and is the meaning of the word "alaverdi." By the way, his explanatory dictionary so treats. And he attributes this word to the middle genus, puts it in the number of those who are not indecipherable and immutable. True, it says also 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 directly connect us with Georgia and its hospitality. The word "alaverdy" consists of two words: allah, which is translated from Arabic as "god", and verdi - in Turkic means "gave." The result is: "Give you God," or in another version: "God keep you."

True, there is another translation, when both parts of the word are translated from the Turkic: "ala" - "take", "verdi" - "gave." It turns out, something like: "I give, you take". This option can already be adapted in meaning to the transfer of toast from one speaker to another at the celebration.

Alaverds and Alaverdob

And how do the Georgians interpret what "alaverdi" means? Their version proceeds from historical events. In the XVII century, one of the famous princes of Georgia Bidzin Cholokashvili decided to help Kakheti free themselves from the Persians. In order for his venture to succeed, he, in turn, asked for help from the Ksanist Eristavstva, which was in the neighborhood - in the gorge of Ksani. Neighbors did not refuse, they sent a messenger with a message that still had to be understood correctly. The prince translated the message correctly: the word "alaverds" meant Avelardoba - the patronal feast, which is celebrated on September 28. It was on this day that help came to Prince Bidzina, and Kakheti was released.

Memory alive

Strangers ask: Alaverdi - what is it? And the Georgians recall each time the sound of this word about the exploits of their ancestors. And the goal of toasts, which they pronounce at various festivals, is to connect the past, the present and the future into an indissoluble whole. Therefore Georgian toasts are often very long, they sound from 10 to 15 minutes, they contain proverbs and quotations, they necessarily differ in wisdom and have an instructive end.

To keep the memory dull, the Alaverdi Temple serves as a reminder of the long-standing events. However, it was built long before the events described in the 5th century by Avvia Joseph, who then preached the Christian faith in Georgia. The ancient temple is located near the city of Telav. Of course, it was repeatedly destroyed by the time and from the raids of enemies, but was restored, for example, in 1741. In this temple there is a burial vault of Kakhetian kings. Thousands of pilgrims flock here on September 14, when a temple feast is celebrated.

Alaverdy sounds at feasts

Probably, it is no longer necessary to ask: Alaverdi - what is it? Since it is a kind of attribute of any Georgian feast. On the latter I want to talk specifically.

The Georgian feast is an enchanting action with a lot of customs, reminiscent of a royal feast or a theatrical act. The hospitality of Georgians is worth learning. After all, they will not spare anything for an expensive guest. Will put on the table all the best that is available in the house. The number of various dishes and drinks can exceed the guests' ability to eat all this.

The main thing at the feast is the toastmaster, it is for him that the first toast rises. During the toast toastmasters guests must prepare to continue his speech. Tamada has the right to warn another "speaker", but he can offer a word unexpectedly, at the end of his toast, saying "alaverdi". As usual, the feast lasts many hours. Tamada all this time follows the order, announces breaks and even finishes the latecomers.

And yet the Georgian feast is, first of all, a contest in eloquence. Traditionally, such feasts strictly adhere to the themes of the festival, observing a certain order from the first to the toast. 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.

Let us repeat once again: it is not customary to interrupt a toasting person among Georgians, on the contrary, all participants of the feast carefully listen to each other.

And finally ...

In the final part of the article on the topic "Alaverdi - what is this?", Perhaps, you should pass the word to the next toasting and hear the Georgian toast.

So: "In this hospitable country there is a belief that the time a person spends with revered guests is not counted in his age. Therefore, a guest in Georgia is called a messenger of God. SO we will drink for the dear and dear guests, who prolong our youth! "

Alaverdy!

"A house that does not have a good foundation is destroyed in the course of time. A family that does not have a smart and intelligent master is ruined. In the house or in the family, where there is no hospitable and kind owner, there are no guests. SO we will drink for the owner of this strong house, wise and hospitable! "