GEORGIAN INCANTATIONS AS AN IMPORTANT EXPRESSION OF ETHNO-CULTURAL BEING OF THE NATION

Abstract

We think it is indisputable that, in Georgia, oral tradition has served as a powerful force for cultural and spiritual advancement since time immemorial. From folk tales—whether in the form of poetry or mythology—classical literature has drawn countless artistic expressions. Even before widespread literacy became possible, history shows that the knowledge, intellect, worldview, and timeless values of Georgians were in no way constrained by a lack of written language. Oral tradition was the bedrock of our development.

As for the incantations themselves, they originate from a deeply distant past and are captivating not only due to the uniqueness of their texts but also for the profound sense of sanctity that has always surrounded the spell as an enigmatic ritual. Thus, beyond the oral and aesthetic purpose of such texts lies the question of belief, making it particularly compelling to explore Georgian spell texts, which, as noted in the title, hold immense significance for the ethno-cultural existence of our nation.

Key words: Word of mouth, incantation, danger, ethnicity.