Maltese culture is rich with proverbs that reflect the experiences and wisdom of its people, especially when it comes to summer and the heat. These sayings give us a glimpse into how the Maltese deal with the long, hot summers typical of their Mediterranean island.
As the summer approaches, here is a list of Maltese proverbs that will most probably come in handy as you’re experiencing the Maltese Summer:
Ix-Xemx Tiżreġ Għal Kulħadd
One well-known Maltese proverb is, "Ix-xemx tiżreġ għal kulħadd," meaning "The sun shines for everyone." This simple phrase reminds us that the sun’s warmth and light are universal, touching everyone equally. It’s a beautiful way of expressing a sense of shared experience and community.
Kulma jkun hemm hu sħana
Another popular saying is, "Kulma jkun hemm hu sħana," which translates to "All there is, is heat." This straightforward statement captures the essence of Maltese summers—hot and relentless. It’s a way of acknowledging the ever-present heat that becomes a part of daily life during the summer months.
M’hemmx deni li ma jgħaddix
This one isn’t directly about the heat, but it’s a proverb that a lot of Maltese people live by that is associated with feeling hot. "M'hemmx deni li ma jgħaddix," or "There is no fever that doesn't pass," compares the summer heat to a fever, suggesting that it will eventually go away. This proverb offers a bit of hope and patience, a reminder that even the hottest days will eventually give way to cooler times.
Min ma jaħmilx is-sħana, ma jaħmilx il-bard
The saying, "Min ma jaħmilx is-sħana, ma jaħmilx il-bard," meaning "He who can't stand the heat, can't stand the cold," is about resilience. It suggests that to be truly strong, one must be able to handle all kinds of weather, not just the summer heat. It’s a reminder of the importance of adaptability and strength.
Is-Sħana Xxengel il-Ġebel
A humorous proverb that captures the lethargy of summer is, "Is-sħana xxengel il-ġebel," which means "The heat makes the stones sway." This vivid image suggests that the heat can be so intense that it feels like even the solid, unmoving stones are affected. It’s a colorful way to describe how the heat can slow down everything and everyone.
You’re all set! Now you know some more creative and colloquial ways to express yourself in Maltese! And if you’re curious, book a face to face OLS session to practice your spoken Maltese.