Why Do Maltese People Eat Bone-Shaped Sweets In November?

If you've walked into a Maltese bakery recently, you might have noticed something unusual on the shelves… sweets shaped like human bones!

Known as Għadam tal-Mejtin, which literally translates to "Bones of the Dead", these traditional sweets are particularly popular during November.

So, why bones?

The tradition is connected to All Souls' Day, celebrated on 2nd November, when people remember loved ones who have passed away.

In Malta's Catholic tradition, November has long been associated with remembering the dead, visiting cemeteries and praying for departed relatives.

The bone shape symbolises death and serves as a reminder of those who are no longer with us.

But despite their slightly spooky appearance, the sweets themselves are anything but scary!

They're made using sweet pastry filled with almond paste and are typically covered in white icing to resemble actual bones.

And here's a fun fact: they're quite similar to Malta's famous Easter figolli! Both traditionally use pastry and almond filling, but while figolli are associated with Easter and new life, Għadam tal-Mejtin are connected to remembering the dead.

Although their religious meaning remains important, today they're also a much-loved seasonal treat enjoyed by Maltese families throughout October and November.

So, next time you bite into one of these sweet little bones, you'll know there's actually a whole tradition behind it!

#MaltaDaily