During Holy Week the church bells in Malta are usually silent. In many parishes these are replaced by wooden clappers and scrapers. In the past children were also given similar instruments as toys during this period. The different types of instruments are all known by the name 'ċuqlajta'.
This type of clapper consists of a central handle with a flap on either side. All three parts are strung together with string, leather or wire (as in the photograph). The instrument is used inside the churches on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday and was also used by children as a toy
Ara Campus FM, Rittmi Mlewna,
Intervista ta' Silvio John Camilleri, (minn 22.31 sa 33.52).
