ETHNOLINGUISTIC ASPECTS OF STUDYING THE KVASVETOBA/KASHVETOBA/KASHETOBA

Abstract

This scientific article presents ethnolinguistic aspects of the study of traditions related to the Kashvetoba/Kvasvetoba/Kashetoba holiday, customs and rituals that have changed over time.

The name Kashveti (Kvasveti) is first attested in Georgian written sources in the 14th century. The miraculous icon of St. George of Kashveti is told in the historical document “Dzegli Eristavta”. The fame of the Kashveti Church throughout Georgia can be attributed to the churches and public holidays named after it in various parts of Georgia.

The feast dedicated to the miraculous icon of St. George of Atotsi was also called Atotsoba (Kashetoba). Its celebration began on the last Sunday of September and lasted until October 1. Atotsoba was also celebrated on April 23 (May 6). People prayed to the spirit of St. George of Atotsi to heal the sick.

  In Racha, in the village of Sakao, the feast of the Church of St. George is Kashvetoba. There is a temple in Mestia named after Kashveti. In the village of Khurtisi (Khevi), there is a shrine of St. George, Kashveto. Here, the icon of Kashveto is considered the patron saint of children. The church of St. George of Kashueti is located in the village of Lilo. The names of the villages should be associated with Kashveti: Kashveti-Nasoflari in Khashuri municipality, Kvesheti-village in Mtiuleti, Kashveti-village in Mestia, Sakasheti-village in Gori municipality, Kashuetisgora-mountain east of the Tbilisi Sea near the village of Lilo.

The rituals performed on the feast of the Rosary expressed the obedience and reverence of believers to Saint George.

The Rosary holiday associated with the name of Saint George clearly expresses the identity and uniqueness of the Georgian people. Therefore, it is necessary to record this cultural heritage and understand it in a new way in connection with modernity.

Keywords: Kvasvetoba/Kashvetoba/Kashetoba; Saint George; ethnolinguistic aspects; ritual; traditions.