“Mekvleoba” and “Bedoba” – New Year traditions in Georgia

New Year is one of the main celebrations in the wintertime. The preparation process for the New Year starts earlier in Georgian families, festive decorations and illuminations are installed in the cities. 

There are two main New Year traditions that Georgians have been following to the present day. Mekvleoba is a Georgian tradition about the first person who enters the house on New Year’s Day. Mekvle is a Georgian name for the first guest of the day. It is believed that the upcoming year will be similar to the fortune, joy, and luck that Mekvle brings. While entering the house, a first-foot throws sweets and wishes the best to the family. As the first-foot is a very important person during the celebration, Mekvle is usually chosen beforehand. Scots have a similar tradition called Hogmanay. Hogmanay involves gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbors, with special attention given to the first-foot, the first guest of the New Year. 

The New Year celebration usually lasts for two days. The second of January is called “Bedoba”. “Bedoba” stands for “Luck” and therefore, the way you spend the day is believed to determine your new year. Although not celebrated as widely as New Year, on the 14th of January, Georgians celebrate “Old New Year” – it is the date of New Year according to the old calendar.

Besides, Georgians prepare special meals for Christmas and New Year. Satsivi is a Turkey or chicken in walnut sauce. The thick sauce is a mix of walnuts, garlic, spices, and herbs. And, Gozinaki is a special sweet exceptionally prepared for the celebration. Gozinaki is a traditional Georgian dessert with a crunchy texture, made with honey-fried, caramelized nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. This sweet treat is often cut into diamond shapes.