Abstract:
In the recent debate on the origins of the traditional Georgian feast some researchers insist that in the historical sources there is no mention of toasting speeches before 19-th century [Bregadze, 2010], so Georgian Supra is an “invented“ tradition and result of Georgianization of Russian Feast [Ram , 2018] . Therefore authentic Georgian feast before 19-thcentury is characterized as partly ritualized, but uncivilized and uncultured practice of material consumption - drunken orgy, which becomes a cultured domain only under Russian imperial and Stalinist totalitarian influence [Manning, 2017]. Paper argues with aforementioned approach and presents review of 17-19 century travelogues and diplomatic correspondence by Giuseppe Giudice, Giovanni da Lucca , Christophoro Castelli, Volkonski and Jacques Gamba, which note authenticity of Georgian feasting traditions, comprised by system of multiple toasts, elaborate ceremonial drinking and chanting as part of toasting ceremony, participation of women and frequent toasting for women. Analysis of the historical sources reveals psycho-cultural and typological differences of drinking patterns between Georgia and Russia before 19-th century. Alcohol drinking traditions in Georgia can be clearly attributed to the “wine “, “wet” drinking culture, where drinking was expected, but drunkenness prohibited. Travelogues by Augustin Maierberg, Nicolaus Witsen and Jacob Reutenfels confirm, that Russian drinking style can be clearly attributed to “spirits“, “dry” drinking culture, where drunkenness is the aim of drinking
