Uploaded July 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In the Caucasus highlands of Georgia, the people still cultivate their ancient rituals from pre-Christian times. The Svanetians are convinced that their ancestors continue to exist right next to them. In the icy winter cold, they set the table on their graves and even invite the deceased family members to their homes.
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In ancient rituals, they invite the deceased to their table and hope that they will eat their fill and warm up at the bollero stove. Most residents do not want to leave their home - it might upset the ancestors. The deceased are always present in the families: "We are convinced of the presence of our ancestors. That is why we have to stay here on this piece of earth. We cannot leave them alone". That is why the days in winter are used to commemorate the dead: for the "Lipanali feast", only the finest food is cooked and liquor is distilled to dignify the dead. For several days, the souls are "hosted" in the families' homes and deliberate on the well-being of the family...
Excerpt from the documentary "Svanetien - Von Lebenden und Toten" (360° - GEO Reportage)
Click here to watch the full documentary (in German): youtu.be/KZ9v7YAJzR8
In the Caucasus highlands of Georgia, the people still cultivate their ancient rituals from pre-Christian times. The Svanetians are convinced that their ancestors continue to exist right next to them. In the icy winter cold, they set the table on their graves and even invite the deceased family members to their homes.
Subscribe to wocomoHUMANITY: goo.gl/CMNyXt
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/wocomo
In ancient rituals, they invite the deceased to their table and hope that they will eat their fill and warm up at the bollero stove. Most residents do not want to leave their home - it might upset the ancestors. The deceased are always present in the families: "We are convinced of the presence of our ancestors. That is why we have to stay here on this piece of earth. We cannot leave them alone". That is why the days in winter are used to commemorate the dead: for the "Lipanali feast", only the finest food is cooked and liquor is distilled to dignify the dead. For several days, the souls are "hosted" in the families' homes and deliberate on the well-being of the family...
Excerpt from the documentary "Svanetien - Von Lebenden und Toten" (360° - GEO Reportage)
Click here to watch the full documentary (in German): youtu.be/KZ9v7YAJzR8
