The Maltese archipelago, located at the crossroads of trade routes in the Mediterranean, has been conquered by many ancient states. Phoenicians and Greeks, Romans and Arabs, Carthaginians and Spaniards were noted here. Finding itself in the 16th century under the auspices of the Knightly Order of the Johannites, and then under the rule of Napoleon and the British Crown, Malta has absorbed many traditions and customs that are intertwined into a single unique Mediterranean culture. For a European, the traditions of Malta are quite close and understandable, because the main value here is the family and its material well-being.
Choose what you want
According to the tradition of Malta, a one-year-old child is faced with a difficult choice: on his birthday, several objects are laid out in front of the baby and he is offered to take one of them. Catholic rosary symbolizes a spiritual career, a hard-boiled egg - material well-being, and brushes or paints, to which the baby reached out, serve as a signal of the need to give him an artistic education. The ceremony is carried out with the participation of all family members and is accompanied by a festive feast.
Family gatherings in Malta are accepted for any reason and without it. Every Saturday the Maltese go to the seaside for picnics. Lots of bonfires, the smell of barbecues, music and even dancing are a common sight on the island on weekend evenings.
What are they, Maltese?
Briefly characterizing the inhabitants of Malta, we can say that they are very constant. Throughout their lives, they have a love for one sports team or a commitment to one political party. The same principle, according to the tradition of Malta, is adhered to by its inhabitants in their personal lives. Maltese marry and get married relatively late, because divorces are not accepted here. They respect the elderly and are very fond of children, of whom there are usually several in a family.
As true southerners, locals are unhurried and not too punctual, and they prefer to postpone any work until tomorrow. Their speech is fast, their gestures are active, and their temperament can be called hot. At the same time, the Maltese are not at all aggressive and prefer to first weigh the consequences of their decision, and only then announce it.
Useful little things
- Religious enough people, the people of Malta do not welcome open displays of feelings in public. For the same reason, it is not customary to sunbathe topless on the country's beaches.
- It is not recommended to compare the inhabitants of the country with the Arabs, despite the apparent external similarity. Such a comparison can seriously offend a Maltese Catholic.
