Chichilaki: The Heart Of Georgia’S Christmas Tradition

Chichilaki trees are pale decorations made from dried hazelnut or walnut branches. Craftsmen shave the wood into thin strips that curl down from a central stick. These trees vary in size, from small ornaments on tables to tall displays that stand above a person’s height.

Many Georgians link the chichilaki tree to the beard of Saint Basil the Great, who appears at Christmas much like Santa Claus does elsewhere. For some, the tree symbolizes hope and renewal. They often decorate it with red berries, dried fruit, and bread, all meant to invite health, good harvests, and a brighter year ahead.

If you wish to understand this tradition deeper, consider learning from experts.

This course helps you create your own chichilaki at home. It guides you through each step, showing how simple tools and care produce a tree with meaning and charm.

Georgia follows the Eastern Orthodox calendar, with Christmas on 7 January. After the holiday, people keep their chichilakis until the day before Epiphany on 19 January. On that day, they burn the trees, clearing away the year’s troubles and making space for new blessings. Some families also buy chichilakis in honor of relatives who have passed away, adding a spirit of memory and respect.

Because chichilakis come from pruned branches, they help preserve forests. By choosing chichilakis over cut pine trees, people support healthy woodlands. The Georgian government fines anyone who cuts pine trees without permission, showing that the country values its natural resources.

During Soviet rule, officials banned chichilakis as religious symbols. After Georgia regained independence, the custom returned stronger than before. Now chichilakis appear in markets and homes across the country. They also draw interest outside their original regions, proving that old traditions can thrive once again.

Chichilakis often appear at charity events in Tbilisi. One recent event raised funds and provided internet access for rural students. Here, the chichilaki did more than decorate a space. It sparked generosity and connected holiday joy with real-world support for those in need.

Georgia hopes UNESCO will list chichilakis as intangible cultural heritage. A new postage stamp features the chichilaki and promotes the Guria region as a place worth visiting. Even Tbilisi Zoo invites people to donate their old chichilakis. Bears, rhinos, and macaques play with them, turning simple branches into playful enrichments.

To experience chichilakis and more firsthand, join our special New Year tour in Georgia. Discover local customs, taste fresh foods, and enjoy the warm spirit of Georgian life. Book now and start the new year with an unforgettable journey!