New Year traditions in Ajara!

The New Year customs of the old Ajaran tradition have a multifaceted purpose. In the past, preparations for the New Year in Ajara began long before the arrival of the New Year - the borrowed things taken from the family were to be returned home. A large part of the New Year customs were linked to fertility.
A ram decorated with colourful objects was brought into the living room; it was associated with the symbol of the harvest heap. As soon as the New Year dawned, the man fired a shot to signal the continuation of life and joy. In the morning, he went into the cowshed and took out an iron chain, which symbolised the constant abundance of livestock.
In past Ajarian women wore red dresses on this holiday and traditionally mixed rice and sugar to sprinkle in the corners of rooms. This custom was associated with bringing sweetness and abundance throughout the year.
The tradition of ''Mekvle'' (first visitor to the family at New Year eve) was of great importance to the host family. The person who was the first to enter the new year in the family was supposed to ensure a rich harvest and abundance.

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