Chichilaki facts for kids
The chichilaki (Georgian: ჩიჩილაკი) is a special Georgian traditional Christmas tree. It's made from dried hazelnut or walnut branches. These branches are carefully shaved to look like a small, fluffy evergreen tree. Chichilakis are usually pale in color and can be different sizes, from about 20 cm (8 inches) to 3 meters (10 feet) tall! You'll find them most often in the Guria and Samegrelo regions of Georgia, which are close to the Black Sea. You can also spot them in some shops in the capital city, Tbilisi.
The President of Georgia has suggested that the chichilaki should be added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This list helps protect important cultural traditions around the world.
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What is the Georgian Tradition of Chichilaki?
Making chichilakis is a very important part of the Georgian Orthodox Christmas. This holiday is celebrated on January 7th each year. Georgians believe that the shaved branches of the chichilaki look like the famous beard of St. Basil the Great. St. Basil is thought to visit people during Christmas, much like Santa Claus does in other traditions. People also believe that the chichilaki represents the "tree of life," which is a symbol of hope for Georgians.
Every year, people go to markets to buy chichilakis. They then decorate them with small fruits and berries. Apples, pomegranates, and madder (a red plant) are often tied to the tree. These decorations are like gifts offered to heaven, hoping for a good harvest in the coming year.
The chichilakis are not kept forever. They are traditionally burned on January 18th, the day before the Georgian Orthodox Epiphany. Burning them symbolizes getting rid of the troubles from the past year. Some families in the Samegrelo region even buy chichilakis for relatives who have recently passed away.
Why was Chichilaki Banned?
During the time when the Soviet Union controlled Georgia, starting in 1921, the sale of chichilakis was not allowed. The Soviet government saw the chichilaki as a religious symbol. Even though they let Georgians keep some parts of their culture, they did not approve of religious customs. This ban lasted until the Soviet Union fell apart in 1990. Since then, chichilakis have become very popular again!
How Chichilaki Helps the Environment
Many Georgians believe that using chichilaki for Christmas is better for the environment than cutting down pine trees. Chichilakis are made from branches that are pruned, or trimmed, from hazelnut or walnut trees. This trimming is actually good for the health of the trees.
The Georgian government has taken steps to protect the environment. They have put a high fine on anyone caught cutting down and moving pine trees from places that are not registered farms. This fine is about US$1,200, which is a lot of money – about three times the average monthly salary in Georgia. The government has also made forest ranger patrols better across the country to help protect the forests.
See also
- Inau
