Okvamer
The term "Okhvamer" is used in two ways: it refers both to the place where a prayer-ritual is performed and to the offerings intended for the shrine. Okvamer can include wine, bread, candles, honey, baked breads, goods, and various other items dedicated to the deity. Okvameri is a ritual of prayer and blessing that holds special significance in Georgia and has survived to this day in the Megrelian and Svan communities. Various forms of Okhvameri prayers are still preserved in Samegrelo, including: Prayer to God: General invocation of the deity's favor and protection. Blessing of the Place or Land: A prayer to sanctify and bless a specific location or piece of land. Prayer in the Name of St. George: Seeking the intercession and blessings of St. George. Prayer to the Supreme: Directed to a higher deity or the Supreme Being. Smithy Prayer: For success and protection in metalwork. House Building Prayer: Seeking blessings and protection for a new home. Wind Prayer: To calm or invoke favorable winds.
These practices highlight the deep connection between the Georgian people and their spiritual beliefs, reflecting a unique cultural heritage that combines elements of ancient traditions and Christian practices. Through Okhvameri, the community seeks divine favor and protection, ensuring the well-being of their land, homes, and endeavors.
Base Prayer
One specific ritual, "Fudzesh-Okhvameri do Tutashkha Happy or Otutashkhe" (associated with Archangels Michael and Gabriel), involves actions believed to influence the family’s luck for the year. During the Fudze Shrine ritual, the house and yard are meticulously cleaned, followed by the baking of krubi. It was necessary to bake a double number of kuri, symbolizing blessing and multiplication. In the evening, these baked pieces are placed in a basket and brought to the hearth. Observing the new moon, everyone except the housewife exits the house. The housewife then prays with lighted candles.
Village Prayer
Performed in the spring after plowing and sowing duties, the village prayer involves the community gathering in the village square. The village chief prays for good weather and a bountiful harvest, often accompanied by the sacrifice of a goat, sheep, or curate.
Prayer of the Place
When building a new house, a place prayer is conducted. The eldest family member digs the ground and places four blocks in the corners of the new yard, attaching lighted candles to each stone and praying for prosperity, health, and well-being.
Tanfa - Easter
On Easter morning, the head of the family slaughters a lamb or piglet atop the sacred pitcher. Cheese and egg cubes are prepared. After the sacrifice, the heart, liver, rooster head, pitcher, and wine are arranged, and the family kneels by the divine pitcher. The head of the family prays for health, protection from plagues, and prosperity, concluding by drinking wine from the pitcher.
Birthplace
The birth woman's shrine, separate from the family shrine, involves rituals performed by the housewife. When a cow births a good calf, it is sacrificed, and prayers are offered for the family’s health and happiness. If the cow births a stillborn calf, the fur is used in the ritual. When the "breeding" cow ages, it is sacrificed, and its fur is transferred to the new breeding cow.
These practices highlight the deep connection between the Georgian people and their spiritual beliefs, reflecting a unique cultural heritage that combines elements of ancient traditions and Christian practices. Through Okhvameri, the community seeks divine favor and protection, ensuring the well-being of their land, homes, and endeavors.