🍷 Tamada
The host of a feast who gives toasts and keeps order.
The tamada is the toastmaster of a feast, who gives toasts and keeps order. The tradition comes from Georgia, where such a feast is called a supra. The word has entered other languages of the Caucasus, Transcaucasia and neighbouring countries.
A tamada is chosen for eloquence and the ability to lead a company. He opens the feast and proposes toasts in order: to guests, to parents, to peace, to friendship, to the memory of those who have gone. After each toast the guests drink wine. The tamada does not so much drink himself as make sure the conversation goes well and cheerfully, that nobody is offended and everyone can speak.
The Georgian supra is built around wine and toasts, so the tamada is the central figure of the celebration. He is usually given a horn of wine or a special glass. Toasts can be long, with stories and parables.
The tamada's role shows that wine in the Caucasus is tied not only to a drink but to conversation, respect and hospitality. Wine can be drunk in moderation: what matters at the feast is the word.
Links
- Previous step
- 🍷 Georgian supra
- Who works with it
- 🍷 Toast (honor)
- Part of
- 🍷 Georgian supra
- Wine and milk
- 🧑🤝🧑 Georgians
Frequently asked questions
Who is a tamada?
The toastmaster of a feast, who gives toasts and keeps order. The tradition comes from Georgia.
What is a supra?
A Georgian festive feast with wine, food and toasts, led by a tamada.
Does a tamada have to drink a lot?
No. His job is to lead the feast and give toasts, not to drink.