CULTURE
The culture of Georgia has evolved over the country's long history, providing it with a unique national culture and a strong literary tradition based on the Georgian language and alphabet (The Georgian alphabet was invented in the 5th century BC and reformed by King Parnavaz I of Iberia in 284 BC.). This has provided a strong sense of national identity that has helped to preserve Georgian distinctiveness despite repeated periods of foreign occupation and attempted assimilation.
Georgians are rightly proud of their tradition of polyphonic song. Its unique, slightly dissonant style, transports the listener instantly into the mountains capes of pre-history. Nobody knows from where they come. The Greek historian Strabo records the multi-voiced chants of Georgians riding into battle in the 1st century BC. Most interesting of all for the visitor, the three-part-harmony songs are completely integrated into modern culture, not only in the churches and monasteries, but also around the Georgian table.
Georgian dance, like its polyphonic songs, remains a major cultural export. The Georgian State Dance company tours the world for the greater part of the year. Virtually every Georgian child learns traditional dance at school and the children dance as energetically as the adults. Few of the world's male dance traditions are as energetic, or the female as sublime and beautifully costumed. Performances are frequent and among the most powerful memories of any visit to Georgia.