Georgia Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba: October 14
Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba is a public holiday in Georgia.
When Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell wrote the song “Georgia on My Mind” in 1930, they most likely had the U.S. state of Georgia in their thoughts. However, the words to the song aptly apply to the country of Georgia, and the country should be on your mind as the popular annual Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba festival takes place this month.
The festival (referred to as Mtskhetoba, Svetitskhovloba, or a hybrid of the two depending on who you ask) takes place every October 14 in the town of Mtskheta and features Georgian Orthodox Church services, traditional street vendors, medieval reenactments, fire twirling and more. The entire town is decorated in an authentic period style, and most townsfolk will wear special garb for the occasion.
History of Georgia Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba
The holiday is essentially a veneration of God from the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (also known as the Living Pillar Cathedral) by the Georgian Orthodox Church. The creation of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is based on Georgian hagiography that Eliazar, a citizen of Mtskheta, was present during the crucifixion of Jesus. Eliazar managed to procure some or all of Jesus’ robe and brought it back to Mtskheta where he met his sister Sidonia.
Sidonia, an ardent believer in Jesus, touched the robe and, overcome by the emotions of belief, died with the robe clenched to her breast. Unable to remove the robe from Sidonia’s clutches, the townspeople buried her with the robe. From her grave, a spectacular cedar tree grew from which “colourful, sweet-smelling flowers bloomed throughout summer and winter.”
In A.D. 317, Christianity was adopted as the state religion of Georgia after much missionary work by St. Nino of Cappadocia. When the king asked St. Nino where to build the house of God, St. Nino pointed to Sidonia’s grave and replied “There, where the mind of the king is firm.” The great cedar was felled and seven great columns were made from it to support the structure of the cathedral.
The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral has seen many changes to it since its original structure was raised, but today it’s still considered one of the most holy places in Georgia. Ten of Georgia’s kings are buried there, but only six of the tombs have been found.
Georgia Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba Traditions, Customs and Activities
Traditionally, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia celebrates the Twelve Apostles of the Orthodox Church of Georgia to whom the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is dedicated. During the services in the cathedral, it’s custom to ask the Twelve Apostles to lend their protection to Georgia and its people.
Most locals wear traditional robes, vests, swords and other decoration during the festivities. Regional food and drink can be found throughout the town, though many people practice a ten-hour fast before having a large traditional meal in the early evening. Additional activities like swordplay and theater can often be found on the streets as well.
Other interesting posts:
- Georgia Marks Independence Day Celebration
- Georgia Honors Mothers on March 13 (Georgia Mothers’ Day)
- Georgia celebrates Mariamoba
- Cuba marks Beginning of Independence Wars
- Bahamas marks Discovery Day
Other interesting posts:
