Traditionally, “l-Istrina” fell on 1st January. It is only recently that this event was moved to 26th December, the day traditionally known as Boxing Day. There are various stories all competing for the origins of this term. One of the theories is that Boxing Day was the day when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts known as Christmas Boxes from their employers, masters or customers. In many countries it is known as the Second Day of Christmas and in the Western Christian liturgical Calendar, the day is dedicated to St Stephen.  

Malta too had its Boxing Day. In pre-WWII it fell on 1st of January. On this day, employers were expected to give a present to their employees in the form of double pay. In Malta and Sicily, this day was known as Strina. According to Erin Serracino Inglott, this means:

“L-ewwel Jum tas-sena li fiha hi drawwa li jingħataw bħala ferħ xi regali jew flus lil min ikun jiddependi minnek”.

Or

“the first day of the year during which, it is customary to give gifts of money as a sign of joy to those persons employed or depending on you”.

This explains why parents and relatives used to give money gifts on 1st of January to their children, nephews and nieces in particular if they were still young, as they were still considered to be their dependents.

Serracino Inglott adds another interesting detail. He says that “strina” has as its plural strejjen. It comes from Sicilian and was recorded by Dominico Magri in his famous book Hierolexicon. According to Magri, it means “mancia che si da’ dai superiori ad inferiori ogni Capo d’anno”.  Subordinates were not expected to give presents to their elders or superiors on this day. Unlike the English Christmas day, this was not expected to be an event when gifts were exchanged.

Those who were extremely rich – normally those associated with the local nobility - used to donate their money gifts on 6th January – or as it was then known in Malta it-Tre Re. In Italy too, La Befana, as this feast is also known, is synonymous with presents. La Befana could bring two types of gifts; charcoal for those who did not deserve a present and gifts for the good ones.

Due to the hype that is generated year after year with collecting money for the Community Chest Fund, l-Istrina is now synonymous with the 26th December. Unfortunately, l-Istrina is now becoming a source of controversy. A number of bloggers are questioning the whole exercise behind this event.

But still we need to admit that there are organizations genuinely in need of help to continue functioning. One such entity that historically made L-Istrina a successful event was id-Dar tal-Providenza. I still remember when, in the past, this institution was one of the principal organizations for which money was collected and its very name helped L-Istrina become such a success.

Unfortunately, there followed attacks in the media against Dar tal-Providenza with associations and individuals complaining that it was not correct that money continued going to the “fat cats” (this is my expression) and one must start to help others. The organizers have to make sure that free riders stop abusing from our generosity by riding on the back of l-Istrina. Here lies the future challenge of this event rather than in the conduct of the show itself.

On the other hand, Id-Dar tal-Providenza had to think again as to how to raise money and resorted to the historical date of l-Istrina to collect money for the Home. The organizers know that they have to face a constant uphill struggle all along but it is becoming very difficult especially now that our society is bombarded to give generously.

Still Id-Dar tal-Providenza hopes to close this merry-making season by holding its traditional collection day. I sincerely hope that the negative but justified criticism that has hit L-Istrina does not have a negative impact on id-Dar tal-Providenza.

The history of this Home is well known for the simple reason that its mission has been one of dedicated care to those less fortunate suffering from serious disabilities. Undoubtedly one of the most successful stories of charitable institution created in the twentieth century. It was the brainchild of Mgr Michael Azzopardi. I can still remember his voice on Rediffusion – Malta’s radio of the past - in particular during his programme called “Is-Siegha tal-Morda”.  This programme was instrumental for one of the best collection of short stories depicting the Maltese characters of the early twentieth century - those of Wenzu u Rozi . Mgr. Azzopardi had asked his friend lawyer, George Zammit, to pen shorts stories that would bring a smile to his listeners, who were ill. Zammit was inspired by the “simple’ folk he knew in his hometown of Qormi bringing a typical village to life in Malta prior to the Second World War. 

Both Azzopardi and Zammit have passed away but their work lives on for different reasons, but united by a shared purpose and spirit and their contribution to Maltese society remains appealing. Zammit’s work was instrumental in introducing my young daughter to love Maltese literature. I am sure that other Maltese youngsters share this same experience each year. Azzopardi’s bequest is a monument to what can be achieved once you have vision but which without the help of genuine selfless volunteers dedicating time to give a helping hand in looking after the severely disabled at this residential home, cannot carry on. Yes, selfless care and dedication is not enough to keep this entity going unless help is forthcoming from us on the outside.

I know that the readers are perhaps tired by now of receiving requests for help. But it is also part of our civic duty to remember those less fortunate and the invaluable work being done at Id-Dar tal-Providenza – you can always pop over and see for yourself how it operates and why I felt bound to ask to remember those genuinely in need.