From Gulbiena To Processions: Here Are 5 Wonderful Maltese Christmas Traditions
by Chiara Micallef
Malta is no stranger to Christmas celebrations. While we all love our street lights, Christmas trees and homemade Baci balls, some of our customs are unique to our culture. While some traditions like Priedka tat-Tifel are indigenous to the islands, others such as presepju have been influenced by foreign customs.
1. Gulbiena
These pretty hair-like plants have been a popular tradition in Malta for as long as anyone can remember. While the gulbiena's origins are relatively unknown, vetches have long been associated with Christmastime in Malta.
Vetches are prepared during the first week of December and stowed away in a dark cupboard until Christmas comes. These light-deprived plants are used to decorate churches and homes – commonly placed around cribs or nativity scenes. Growing your gulbiena is easy enough, all you need to do is soak the seeds in water overnight. Once the water is absorbed and the seeds look plump enough, you can plant them in cotton wool or tissue paper.
Water the vetches, and store them in a dark spot, like cupboards or wardrobes. Check your vetches every few days and water them if the wool feels dry. The gulbiena will take anywhere around 2-3 weeks to grow fully.
2. Il-Presepju
Cribs were introduced in Malta back in the 17th century, and have become part of Maltese tradition and culture over the years. The first cribs on the island were imported by Italian noblemen, meaning that they were decorated in a traditional Italian manner.
Over time, the Maltese presepju found its way into Maltese homes and churches, with the first one being set up by the Dominican friars in Rabat.
As the presepju became more popular on the island, scenes, characters and depictions started to take on a Maltese aesthetic in terms of visuals and characteristics. Porous caves, flour windmills and rocky garigue found their way into the Maltese presepju, along with sculpted, clay or wax pasturi.
Presepji are still very popular in Malta, with numerous crib-making clubs organising everything from workshops to exhibitions all over the island.
3. Il-Priedka tat-Tifel
Il-Priedka tat-Tifel is a Maltese tradition that has been around since the 19th century. This tradition started in 1883 in the village of Luqa, where an altar boy delivered the Christmas eve sermon to church-goers. Il-Priedka tat-Tifel quickly became an event that most families attended as part of their family tradition.
This sermon takes place during midnight mass on Christmas Eve and is either preceded or followed by the Christmas procession, depending on the locality.
4. Christmas Eve Procession
Even though nowadays it is not as popular, some Maltese villages, like Zebbug, St. Julians and Iklin, still retain this tradition. St. George Preca started this tradition in Hamrun. When the first Christmas procession took place, members of the Society of Christian Doctrine turned up with lanterns, oil lamps, candles and makeshift lights – they made their way through the streets of Hamrun singing carols and hymns.
Over time, and as this procession started taking place in other villages, young children dressed up as shepherds or biblical figures, while others carried placards with biblical quotes.
5. Live Nativity Scenes
These life-size cribs can be found in several local villages in Malta and Gozo, with the most popular one being Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem in Gozo. This enchanting event re-constructs the story of the nativity, complete with the adoration of the Magi, market stalls, farm animals and a live crib. Villages partaking in this tradition include Haz-Zebbug, Bormla and Zejtun.
Live Nativity Scenes will not be taking place this year.
6. Food
While most traditional recipes are still found on multiple Maltese tables to this day, there are some that more contemporary recipes have replaced. These include treats like il-qaghaq tal-qastanija. Qastanija was made by melting down natural honeycombs – a delicacy which has nowadays been replaced by black treacle. Other traditional Christmas treats include the imbuljuta tal-qastan, a chestnut and cocoa-based drink and chestnut pies. Qaghaq tal-kavalletti – pastries drenched in honey and covered in sesame seeds, were also popular.
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