The Crib, still an important part of the Maltese Christmas tradition, was something that our forefathers could easily relate to as it depicted a similar situation to what most humble folk were used to.   Many Maltese people, even upto the mid-1900s, were poor and had to endure less-than-decent dwelling conditions, especially in winter; although ours is not as enduring as the northern European winter, the high humidity of the Maltese climate makes our winter seem colder, without proper heating.

The donkey and the cow were live-in partners for our local farming community, too often sharing the family's humble homestead. Sheep, too, were a common sight in our largely rural community and the stable-cum-cave, which we like to portray as Jesus' birthplace, seems to have its roots in our own backyard, in our Mediterranean environment.

This was a special time when the lowly country folk, the unschooled shepherds, were depicted as the (spiritually) privilaged class; while the rich and the scholarly, personified by the Three Kings (or Wise Men), arrived on the scene much later... with their lofty, but impractical gifts.   And how they must have felt out of place amidst all that rugged simplicity, which would have suited Malta's poor folk so well had Jesus opted to be born here, in these humble islands in such austere times.

Four weeks of fasting were held prior to Christmas Eve culminating in the Midnight Mass, after which people would feast on traditional sweets (honey-filled rings, figs, chestnut syrup and deep-fried date-rolls, known as mqaret). It was then that Baby Jesus would be placed inside the Crib, on a previously-empty manger.

But of course, not all households were poor and uncomfortable in Malta's past.   Some households, though clearly a minority, were richly furnished and without the need to worry about the next day's meal.   This is not to imply some obvious indifference on their part towards the lower class, although a popular Maltese adage begs to remind us that "the full belly was never bothered about the empty one".

Well-to-do people, too, exhibited their fine cribs during Christmas time, but their perception would have been different.   For them, baby Jesus lay in a cot, although their little plaster figurine actually lay in a manger lined with hay.

And their children probably considered the placid cow and cute, little donkey to be the Blessed Family's pets, oblivious of the fact that these beasts produce a dreadful stench, unfit for Baby Jesus' nursery.   Such was the difference in mentality, in social standing and in culture between Malta's two distinct economic classes -- right up to the Second World War.   Unfortunately, it was this same superficial attitude that was inherited by us and by our children, now that Christmas is but an excuse to decorate our homes, exchange presents, overeat and indulge in earthly pleasures, mindless of its true significance.

To summarize some of the old Maltese traditions, we start with the Religious rites, including the Midnight Mass, the Young Boy's Sermon and the Procession of the Baby Jesus.

Also related to the religious character of Christmas, the Crib, il-Presepju, remains an extremely popular item in most Maltese homes; this, apart from those artistic specimens exhibited for public viewing.   Publicly exhibited Cribs usually portray an entire landscape and include numerous tradesmen along with the shepherds and, yes, even farmers (working through the night !?), partly reminiscent of life in Malta's own past, partly reflecting the modern-day lifestyle where the city "never sleeps".   Some of these Cribs demonstrate keen craftsmanship, even making use of particular lighting or moving parts.

At the centre of the Maltese Christmas -- a new tradition, so to speak -- is the all important Christmas Tree, usually an artificial fir tree sporting flickering fairy lights, metallic bobbins and tinsel, tastful hanging ornaments and very often a Star or Angel at its apex.   Christmas presents are usually hoarded beneath the tree for distribution on Christmas Eve or during the now popular roast turkey Christmas Lunch, when our families gather in considerable numbers.

The Christmas fruit-cake and Christmas Pudding are among the more recently adopted traditions.   Along with the Christmas Log and Mince Pies, these have found their place in our many social gatherings amidst savouries and plenty of drinks, as if to uphold the Christmas Spirit; pardon the pun.

The traditional sweets synonymous with the Maltese Christmas, as mentioned above, are the honey or treacle rings, known as the Qaghaq tal-Ghasel or Qaghaq tal-Qastanija.   Of similar origins as the latter, for the term Qastan(ija) implies that the rings were originally made from 'chestnuts' rather than treacle, is the hot drink made from coco and chestnuts known as imbuljuta, more popular with our older generations than with youngsters.   Another traditional sweet, sold perennially from roadside kiosks, are the deep-fried date-rolls, known as Mqaret. These may be consumed hot or cold and their aroma is captivating.

Staff Parties are commonplace and, as in all countries, may vary between the quiet meal in a classy restaurant to the wild parties.

At home, the Christmas Stocking is a favourite with many children.   But what of Santa Claus? Naturally, he too is part of our modern-day Christmas, though he had no place in the traditional Christmas of the Maltese Islands, not even in the form of Saint Nicholas.   In the past, present-giving-time was l-Istrina, or New Year's Day, when children would receive gifts in the form of money from, say, aunts and uncles.   Mother says that she used to get one or two shillings [equivalent to some ten Maltese cents, or sixteen British pence, at this time of writing] from each relative. Gosh, this really must have been a great time for children of the time!

New Year's Eve is still very much the climax of the year, with a 'countdown' leading to the stroke of midnight, whistles, hugs and kisses all round, exchange of good wishes amongst friends, horn hooting in the streets, and from ships in harbour.   Champaigne and Sparkling Wine usuall compliment the merry making that ushers in the new year.   This is definitely a time to be with family and friends, though one can't help thinking about the aged, the sick, the poor, the homeless and the lonely who are oftentimes forgotten in our moments of bliss.

Steve Farrugia © 2002