The rules of burial and mourning in Samegrelo are directly related to the religious and mythological beliefs about death, the next world and soul, which makes Samegrelo stand out from other parts of Georgia with its expressive character.

 

According to the rules, all relatives and acquaintances of the deceased should respect the deceased by coming and attending the funeral. Relatives dressed in black would definitely come from distant villages, accompanied by attendants, horsemen and footmen. A large candles decorated with black pieces was carried in front of the procession. A clergyman was invited to pray for the repose of a soul.

 

On the day of the funeral, they used to invite the mourners (keener at funeral), who consisted of four or five people, and could be fellow villagers or come from other villages. On the same day, the black-clad horse of the deceased was placed in the yard. Mourning in Samegrelo lasted for a long time – relatives used to wear black and fast.

 

According to local beliefs, the souls of the dead need food as much as the living creature. Therefore, they provided funeral tables and before inviting the guests to the table, they would let them wash their hands with water-mixed wine.

 

Throughout the year, there were periodic days to commemorate the deceased and they tried to follow all the rules, since they truly believed that all this would help the deceased to settle in heaven.

 

The first dinner to honour the deceased was held on the day of the funeral. The table was arranged in “sepa” (tables under arbour of branches) and only Lenten food such as mchadi (maize bread), beans, fish, greens, wine and boiled wheat and honey (funereal dish).

 

While drinking wine at the funeral table, they wished the deceased to be forgiven and allowed to settle in heaven. On the ninth day after the death, they used to hold socalled "explanation of the arm". A calf or a sheep was killed in the name of the deceased. On ritual days, a sacred table was prepared and dishes prepared for this table included ducks, chicken, roasted pigs, Khachapuri (traditional Georgian pie with cheese), a jug with wine, water and bread. They lit candles and incense.

 

In Samegrelo, as well as in other parts of Georgia, it was customary to celebrate the fortieth day after the death as well as the very day next a year. It is no more a mourning dinner and they, invited neighbours and relatives and had the feast.

 

In the old days, to commemorate the diseased men they used to arrange “Marula” – a horse race.

 

It was common in Samegrelo as well as in the mountains of eastern Georgia. Everyone who wanted to honour the deceased could participate in the race.Most of these rules related to the funerals have been preserved unchanged in Samegrelo.