Karine Asatryan, Gohar Hayrapetyan
Many intriguing and unique things in the world have no analog. Georgia's exclusive New Year's tradition is the local Chichilaki tree, which originated in paganism and was considered a symbol of life and fertility.
“The Georgian Dispatch” reporters uncovered the price, whereabouts, and significance of Chichilaki in Tbilisi. As the latter part of December approaches, a distinctive item emerges in Georgia's markets: the Chichilaki. This New Year symbol is crafted from a walnut branch, meticulously designed to create a bountiful crown of shavings hanging from its top.
Chichilaki, an ancient tradition from the Guria region, represents the "Tree of Life" in various cultures. This unique Georgian "Christmas tree" is adorned with sweets and fruits, sometimes featuring a treat-filled basket at the top. Legend holds that its lush crown absorbs negativity, bringing in happiness for the new year. Tradition dictates burning it to dispel the old year's misfortunes, but in reality, Gurians often place it in the wine cellar as a guardian. Over time, a cross was added, linking it to St. Basil's beard in Christian symbolism. This once-common skill is now a part of many Georgian homes.
The tradition has dwindled, and only a handful of artisans, like 70-year-old Edik Matloa, craft and sell this New Year's symbol. Matloa, who started making Chichilaki in his native Abkhazia, finds the process challenging—crafting the smallest one takes about two hours. Forced to leave Abkhazia due to the war, Matloa passed on his skills to his son, who now assists in Chichilaki production. Despite its seasonal nature, Matloa is content, as traditional trees outsell their green counterparts, symbolizing wealth and happiness. While larger versions are available, most opt for smaller Chichilaki to grace the holiday table. Prices range from 30 to 100 lari, and children particularly enjoy purchasing them.
In contemporary Georgia, the primary rival to Chichilaki remains the live spruce. The central market for live Christmas trees kicks off annually in Saburtalo, near the Sports Palace, opening around December 20 and concluding on the 31st.
"Prices vary, starting at 30 GEL for smaller trees and reaching 500 GEL for the most luxurious options," explained Dzhambul Degentidze, the organizer of the Christmas tree market, shared with The Georgian Dispatch that coniferous trees are sourced through several means.
"Coniferous trees are sourced by Wildlife Agency's Ministry of Environment and Agriculture," said the organizer of the Christmas tree market.
Degentidze said control over illegal logging, transportation, and sale of coniferous trees and plants has been tightened due to the approaching New Year holidays.
A living or traditional New Year's tree holds a special place as the primary symbol of Christmas. According to a folk legend, during Christ's birth, trees presented him with gifts—the apple tree offered apples, and the cherry tree contributed cherries. The spruce, however, held back, quietly crying and fearing to prick the baby. Touched by its reluctance, Christ adorned the tree with toys and sweets, establishing the spruce as the central symbol of Christmas ever since.
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