Christmas traditions in Georgia

Christmas traditions in Georgia. In Georgia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 according to the Julian Calendar and it marks the end of the great fast. Believers usually meet Christmas in the church where special service is held and only afterwards they go and celebrate this day together with their family members and close people..

Traditional Christmas march called Alilo.

Thousands of people participate in Alilo : the clergy of different churches, parishioners and children wearing the Stikari - a gold, white or red colored robe worn by a priest’s assistant. They carry crosses and icons through the streets and collect food, sweets and other things which are later distributed to the people in need and orphanages. Anyone can join the march or donate some food, products or other items..

chichilaki - a traditional Georgian Christmas Tree.

chichilaki - a traditional Georgian Christmas Tree is made from dried hazelnut branches that are shaved to form a small coniferous tree. Georgians believe that the shaved tree resembles the famous beard of St. Basil the Great, who is thought to visit people during Christmas similar to the Santa Claus tradition. For Georgians, Chichilaki is considered to be the tree of life, symbolizing hope and belief..

Christmas pie. t.gtsC0.

one of the most popular Christmas tradition baking Christmas pie, which is cooked on this special day..

Christmas in Georgia is a day of celebration, joy, good food, family and friends.