Moon-related Rituals in Adjara (Maretis Kheoba) (Ethnographic Expedition «adjara-2018» According to the Materials)

Abstract

Worship of celestial lights was widespread among the peoples of the world, with the emergence and spread of astral cults contributing to the development of agriculture. By observing the celestial events, the time and duration of the flooding of the rivers were determined, creating a representation of the well-being of the coming year.

Even today, it is widespread in Georgia to perform this or that type of agricultural work by observing the moon. However, it should also be noted that today the death of agriculture has led to this observation or forgetting of experience. The few people left in the abandoned villages can no longer use this knowledge left by their ancestors.

In the indigenous part of our country – Adjara, whereby the grace of God the villages are still alive, the population continues to observe the moon, both in agricultural and household activities. In particular, the phases of the moon matter.

In conclusion, we can say that the rituals related to the moon in Adjara are identical to other parts of Georgia, For the knowledge of the laws of nature, as Merab Kostava commanded, „to the way of God“.