Interesting Facts About Georgia: Culture and Traditions

These interesting facts may seem simply remarkable, but we're sure they'll make you smile and remind you of the welcoming Georgians, the warm and healthy air, and the kind people who are always happy to welcome guests!

1.Sakartvelo

Georgia's history spans centuries. You will be touched by the local traditions and customs that have developed over the centuries.

This is the country's second name. This is how Georgians themselves refer to their homeland, derived from the people who lived here many centuries ago – the Kartvelians. Literally translated, it means "land of the Kartvelians." While the Latin alphabet is more common, locals prefer to pronounce it this way.

2. Spanish Roots

Georgian speech is similar to Spanish. In ancient times, Georgia was part of the state of Iberia, which included various territories. Western Iberia is now Spain. It is populated by the Basques, whose roots are closely linked to the locals.

3. Baptism of Georgians

Christianity began to spread here in 319 AD, during the reign of King Mirian. This is the second country on the planet to adopt this religion as a state religion. The first was Armenia. Therefore, local residents sacredly revere Orthodox traditions and are proud of their history and culture. Georgia also has preserved ancient temples and churches, a visit to which can evoke an unforgettable feeling of spiritual kinship with the Georgians.

4. Remains of ancient humans

Dmanisi is the site of the first European settlement. The remains of ancient humans discovered here are over 1.7 million years old. These findings suggest that the first European humans inhabited the territory of Georgia.

5. Citizens' Property Ownership

While in Europe almost every citizen has their own home, here not everyone has their own place. The situation is similar to Russia, where one in five residents does not own their own property.

6. National Language

Georgian is easy to learn. There are no stress marks, capital letters, or genders. If you plan to stay here, you'll quickly master standard phrases and forms of address. Furthermore, locals are happy to help foreigners get comfortable and offer pronunciation tips.

7. Word Forms and Word Composition

Georgian has many words where a consonant follows a consonant. Vephkhvtmbrdgvneli, for example, translates as "tiger-killing." The word became famous thanks to the poet Sh. Rustaveli and his work "The Knight in the Panther's Skin."

8. Georgian Pronunciation

Intonation is very important in pronunciation. Sociable Georgians can say the same phrase with a different meaning. Now, as languages ​​mingle, this important detail in Georgian communication is being lost, but the fact remains. Paying attention to intonation is crucial in any conversation with Georgians.

9. Attitude Toward the Russian Language

Despite the fact that the older generation speaks Russian fluently, it is gradually disappearing in this country. Government policy is aimed at preserving the native language. Young people and teenagers rarely use Russian in conversation, but many are successfully learning English. In Georgia, it's common to encounter adults in the tourism industry who speak excellent Russian.

10. Heating in houses and apartments

Central heating is more of a luxury than a necessity. Almost all apartments and houses have individual gas heating. Many houses lack it entirely, as the climate and weather conditions in some areas allow for electric heaters.

11. Family Values ​​among Georgians

Family is sacred to local residents. The absolute authority of elders, respect for family traditions, and mandatory participation in all family events are part of Georgian life.

A reverent attitude toward children, as the most important value in life, is a special part of the Georgian mentality. Adults do not hide their happiness and joy at the sight of a strange child and do not come to a house with children without gifts.

12. Availability of fresh vegetables and fruits

Greens are always present on the table, as are freshly picked vegetables and fruits. No national dish is complete without special herbs and spices. They are rarely stored in advance, but are usually chopped during cooking. This is how each dish acquires its unique flavor.

13. Legalization of weapons

Guns are legal here. Every citizen over 21 years of age can purchase a gun after completing a short training course and providing a medical certificate.

Gun shops offer pistols, machine guns, and rifles from various manufacturers. After purchase, the weapon is sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for ballistics testing and then stored in a home safe.

14. The taste qualities of Georgian wine and cognac

The cognac and wine here are the best. Winemaking in Georgia began several thousand years ago, using unique techniques that have been preserved to this day. Only here can you take wine tours, during which you'll taste different wines from various regions of the country.

15. Attitude to hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a breeze here! The friendly attitude and outgoing nature of the locals is astounding, making hitchhiking around the country easy and fun.

In conclusion, I'd like to add a couple more points that will come in handy while traveling in Georgia:

• Don't take off your shoes when visiting;
• Be prepared for kisses on the cheek;
• Don't refuse a wedding invitation.

Share in the comments which facts about the country surprised you most and share your impressions of magical and unique Georgia!

Read also

• Facts About Georgia: Traditions, Etiquette and Culture
• Georgia in Facts: Myths, Traditions, Wine and Nature