Alaverdi () is a Georgian expression and practice related to the tradition of ritualized toasting at a supra (feast). It can refer to a competitive toasting round or a directive from the toastmaster (tamada) to the next speaker.
The term is derived from Turkish and means "if God will".
The use of alaverdi is a key element in managing the structure and flow of a Georgian supra.
Alaverdi can be a ritualized toast competition among the men at the table. The tamada begins by proposing a toast on a specific topic. Other men must then modify and elaborate on this topic in subsequent toasts. The tamada symbolically grants his power of speech to another participant, who becomes the temporary tamada and the center of attention.
In formal contexts, the competition is to determine "who is the best" speaker. The head tamada judges the winner of a round based on the toast's originality, formulation, and the approval it received from the table. The winner is then given the right to speak second in the following round. In informal settings, the basic structure of alternation is followed without the direct competition.
A tamada can use the expression alaverdi to directly control the order of drinking. By saying to someone, áÂÂáÂÂáÂÂáÂÂáÂÂá áÂÂá á¨áÂÂáÂÂáÂÂáÂÂáÂÂá áÂÂáÂÂá alaverdi, shentana var ("I am alaverdi with you"), the tamada designates that person to deliver their toast and drink immediately after him.
This is often done for specific reasons:
The practice of alaverdi is closely tied to concepts of masculinity in Georgian culture. Table rhetoric is considered an important sign of masculinity, and men who cannot participate are considered "unmanly". The power of words demonstrated during the competition is seen as a sign of masculinity.