Georgian Funeral

Georgian funerals and cemeteries are very interesting and different. They had viewing for two days with no service at all. Then they all go to the cemetery located on steep hillsides. The casket is not closed until just before lowering into the grave. Yes, you are looking at the grandfather in the casket. Misha is a member and located 2nd to the left of the man at the head with his hand to his mouth. He is the only member in his family.

Friends lower the casket with ropes after putting the lid on. I took these pictures with the camera hidden under my big coat. They do not like pictures taken.


This is how a finished grave looks. I don't know who does all this work, but I suspect the family does or has it hired done. It does take up a lot of room.


After the funeral, everyone goes to this big hall to eat and drink. There was lots of food and drink. At least 20 toasts were done, so lots of alcohol was served. Misha's non-member girlfriend and her mother who is a member were sitting next to him and he was next to Mom. At the end of the meal, Mom and I watched the girl filling at least 2 or 3 gallon sip-loc bags in her extra large purse full of food. Most of the people in Georgia are poor. This picture also was taken carefully so others around didn't see me take it.