Funerary and Mourning Rites

For ages, funerary and mourning rites were given much importance in Pshav-Khevsureti. One of the most pronounced signs of respect towards the deceased was loud mourning. It was not only the expression of sorrow, but also a sign of praise to the deceased. The commemorative days of deceased ancestors were holidays. Special horse races and horse rituals dedicated to the soul of the deceased person were held in Khevsureti.
The tradition of hospitality, a general characteristic of Georgian culture, is especially vivid in the traditions of highlanders. According to local tradition, the guest— even a deadly enemy—is sent by God and serving the guest is the primary responsibility of the host. The particular Khevsur tradition of hospitality is the main subject of Vazha-Pshavela’s famous poem Guest and Host.
The ritual of “eating silver” was a widespread practice for marking a special bond between friends. Friends would trim silver into a beer mug and after receiving a blessing from the khevisberi, they would drink from the mug, after which they became sworn brothers and committed themselves to being side-by-side in both joy and sorrow.