Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ

Hi Kids!

Although Malta is a tiny country, it has a long history and old habits. Have you ever heard your grandparents or older people mentioning Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ? We, the Maltese people, love helping others, both materially and spirituality. Through this Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ, the ancient Maltese people used to remember the deceased through prayer and charity.

A few weeks before the 1st of November, the wealthiest person in the city used to buy a pig. Then, they hang a bell around her neck and let her roam around the streets. The people hearing the bell sound, that is, that means the pig is passing by, used to give something to eat. Later, when the pig is fat enough and one year old, the person in charge takes her to a farm and kills her to cook it. Its meat was sold, and with the money, masses for the repose of the faithful souls were celebrated and given as an act of charity for the poor.

Today’s Prayer Space is called: Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ

Let us listen to this song…

Equipment needed for this prayer space:

• a pig template
• colours
• pen or pencil
• a white or coloured paper
• some food to give as a charity cause

Colour the pig, and while colouring it, think of a deceased person. Stick the pig on a coloured paper. Around the pig, write in what ways you can do acts of charity.

Pray this prayer: Eternal rest grant unto the departed O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Contribute food for charity, maybe to an orphanage, refugees, people with disabilities, or a home for the elderly.

Bye bye Kids!

Until we meet again.