Georgian people are famous for their hospitality. In an area of the world where hospitality is paramount, Georgians are the epitome of hospitality! They respect guests & are naturally friendly & generous when entertaining them, most especially in their own home. They give parties in honor of certain respectable people, or for a special events like a wedding, a birthday, a housewarming, Christmas, Easter, etc. The Georgian table is conducted in a wise manner in accordance with the ancient ritual.
The head of the table "Tamada" is elected as proposed by the host. The tamada must be a man of humor with an ability for improvisation and a philosopher's wisdom. If there are many guests at the table he appoints assistants who in Georgian are called "tolumbashis". The tamada acts like a director of the party announcing traditional toasts to peace, health, happiness, well-being , etc. Tamadas can make exceptional toasts. Guests at the party are like actors responding to the toasts and often with their own interpretation. The tamada's toasts follow one another in a strict never violated order. The guest is obliged to listen attentively to each toast and appreciate the beauty of style and the purpot of the worlds said. If is not allowed to interrupt the tamada when he is saying the toats. The tamada's assistants and other guests may only add something to the toast or develop its ideas. If you wish to say a toast, you must by all means have the tamada's consent or else you will find yourself in an awkward position. This table ritual does not put restraints on the guests but maintains discipline at the table. It is so that a tamada must to be eloquent, intelligent, smart, sharp-witted and quick-thinking, with a good sense of humor because very often some of the guests might try to compete with him on the toast making.
Songs must always accompany Georgians in joy & in sorrow, in battle & in labor much like the Celts of whom the Irish are most reknowned. Special songs for drinking & for marriage as well as their famous chants full of humor, sung by guests during party in a rollicking contest. It may sound strange but often events of social, economic & political significance are discussed during the table talks, thus some problems are solved peacefully. The atmosphere at the Georgian table is so friendly & candid that even enemies are likely to make up. If there is enough room at the party you must take part in folk dances. In these dances men always act as gentlemen & are very polite & respectful to the ladies.
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