Maltese
people have an interesting tradition regarding baby’s first birthday. This
tradition is known as “Quċċija”.
Several objects
representing various trades or professions are laid on a carpet on the floor or on a low table.
Among
objects included there can be: a pen for a writer, an egg
or wooden spoon for a chef, a book
for a teacher or a lawyer, a
rosary beads for a priest or nun, some
money for an accountant, banker or business person, a pair
of scissors for a seamstress or a tailor, a
tripod for a photographer, a
paintbrush for an artist and a
thermometer or a stethoscope, for a nurse or doctor.
The
first object the tiny hand of the child chooses is said to predict the child’s
future.
This cute little girl, Emily, chose a tripod, so what do you think she will be when she grows up?
When the ceremony is over the relatives are invited
for a little reception in honour of the child which includes traditional sweets
and drinks. Today this tradition is still alive in some villages but the
reception ends with the cutting of a cake with one candle which was not done in
olden days. This is surely an entertaining activity for the child’s family,
relatives and close friends. It
is believed that such a practice is also found in some villages in Greece and
Sicily.
Dear Polish friends, can you answer our question about Emily?
(A very special thanks to Clare for giving me permission to use her daughter's “quċċija” photos).
The feast of the Ascension of Our
Lord (forty days after Easter), is known as Lapsi in Malta. In olden days, families had their first swim
and children played at swings on this day. 
Sometimes parents prepared a
homemade swing at home in their yard or garden tied to a tree or even attached
a swing to the front door of their houses. 
