Christmas Traditions in Malta
They are perhaps some of the best-known cliches of Yuletide: snow, Christmas trees, and cheerful, burly men wearing red and white. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, the islands of Malta are not quite on this latitude, because of the warm weather, even in winter, but these are some of the images that are nonetheless part of the Christmas mix here.
Christmas is no exception to the cultural tapestry of Malta influenced by centuries of history and conquerors, creating a unique blend of religious customs and traditional festivities that coexist in a very unusual way. In this article, we'll explore the enchanting Christmas traditions that make Malta a special place during the Yuletide season.
Source: Canva
Nativity Scenes
During Christmas Eve a lot of families attend midnight mass with families gathering at churches across the islands, with hymns and singing.
Nativity scenes, or "presepji," are an integral part of Maltese Christmas decor. Intricately crafted scenes depicting the holy family, shepherds, and the three wise men are displayed in homes, churches, and public spaces. Lots of people take pride in creating elaborate nativity scenes, often showcasing traditional Maltese architecture and local landscapes, adding a unique touch to the familiar biblical narrative. Sometimes this reaches quite large proportions, with cribs the size of a room.
Decorations
Maltese homes and streets are adorned with festive decorations, transforming the islands into a winter wonderland. Streets are lined with twinkling lights, and homes are embellished with wreaths, tinsel, and Christmas ornaments. The warm glow of decorative lights enhances the festive atmosphere, creating a magical ambiance that captivates locals and visitors alike. Some people go overboard with the type of lights, adorning their houses with enough lights that need a small power station to run, as well as plenty of decorations.
Traditional Maltese Sweets
Of course, what everyone wants to know about is the food!
Christmas in Malta brings an array of delicious traditional sweets and treats. "Qagħaq tal-Għasel," a honey ring filled with a mixture of molasses, crushed nuts, honey, and citrus peel, is a popular Christmas delicacy. These sweet rings, often shaped like a figure-eight or a simple ring, are enjoyed by families as they gather to exchange festive greetings.
Another Christmas favorite is "Imbuljuta tal-Qastan," a rich and hearty chestnut and chocolate soup. This warm and indulgent treat is especially relished during the colder winter evenings, adding a unique Maltese flavor to the holiday season.
We have several food traditions which are not ours, or rather, we “borrowed”. Two of these are mince pies and Christmas logs from Great Britain, as well as pandoro and panettone from Italy.
Ġulbiena
Perhaps one of the most unusual Christmas traditions in Malta is “ġulbiena”. A plant, known as a ‘light-deprived vetch’, or ‘ġulbiena’ (sometimes written as ‘ġurbiena’) is used as a crib or Christmas decoration.
According to an age-old Maltese tradition, vetch seeds, deprived of light for a specific period, are nurtured over a few weeks and carefully arranged near the statue of the infant Jesus in the manger. This practice serves the purpose of adorning the crib, enhancing the visual representation of the nativity scene.
Over time, Ġulbiena has evolved into a more versatile Christmas decoration, finding its place in both homes and churches across Malta during the festive season. The planting of vetch seeds typically commences between 25 November and 7 December, ensuring that they reach their optimal growth and appearance by Christmas day. You first have to soak them overnight and then grow them in cotton, soaking them often.
The light-deprived vetches exhibit a distinctive white and stringy quality, making them not only suitable for crib adornment but also versatile for various craft projects. Creative uses include fashioning them into hair or a beard for toy figures, showcasing the adaptability of this traditional Maltese decoration.
There are several theories as to where the ġulbiena tradition came from. Perhaps it came from farmers who grew it as a decoration, because of its light and shape (it is often compared to an angel's hair due to its color and form).
The likeliest origin is the ancient Greek tradition of Garden of Adonis. In this tradition, seeds were planted, and roots would sprout. The adoption of this practice extended to areas in Italy and Sicily, presenting a conceivable explanation for the custom's transmission to Malta because of Malta being close to these places culturally.
Processions and Festivals
Throughout December, various towns and villages in Malta host vibrant processions and festivals to celebrate the festive season, especially around the capital city of Valletta. Streets are illuminated with decorative lights, and cultural performances take center stage, offering a festive spectacle that draws locals and tourists alike.
In the village of Għajnsielem on the island of Gozo, the annual "Bethlehem f'Għajnsielem" is a living nativity scene that reenacts the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. The entire village is transformed into a sprawling nativity scene, complete with actors, live animals, and traditional crafts, providing a unique and immersive Christmas experience.
Maltese Christmas Markets
Christmas markets have become a global tradition, and Malta is no exception. Throughout December, various towns and cities host Christmas markets, offering an array of festive delights. Visitors can explore stalls selling handmade crafts, local delicacies, and unique Christmas gifts. The markets provide a perfect opportunity for both locals and tourists to soak in the festive spirit while enjoying the charm of Maltese traditions.
Family Gatherings and Gift-Giving
At the heart of Maltese Christmas celebrations is the spirit of togetherness. Families come together for festive feasts, exchanging stories and laughter.
Gift-giving is also a cherished tradition in Malta. Children eagerly await the arrival of "Santa Klaws", who brings gifts to well-behaved youngsters on Christmas Eve. Exchanging gifts among family and friends is a time-honored practice, symbolizing love and goodwill.