The Ghonnella or Faldetta (Traditional women’s head dress)

Now seen only in paintings, old postcards or re-enactments, a distinguishing Maltese costume is the Ghonnella or Faldetta. This characteristic, black cotton or silk head dress was an essential women’s costume certainly up to the 1930’s and also up to the 1950’s especially amongst members of the lay doctrine society known as ‘M.U.S.E.U.M’,

 The origins of this stiffened head dress are not known. Many say it derives from the eastern veil, or from the Spanish Mantilla. Others maintain that it was first introduced in 1222 as a sign of mourning by the women of Celano (Italy) who were expelled to Malta following the massacre of their menflok. Yet another theory is that its origin evolved from the necessity for women to veil their head when entering a church.

 Covering the head and wrapped around the body from waist downward the ‘Ghonnella’ left the face completely visible.

 The ‘Ghonnella’ endowed the Maltese women with a proud and pretty appearance. It became her, showed her sprightly and honored her in people’s eyes.

 It is hardly possible to come across Maltese women wearing the ‘Ghonnella’ these days, except within re-enactment of traditional Maltese life, perhaps accompanied by the male figure also in typically village attire of the Maltese ‘Zepp’ – a traditional, farming character.