What is the story of La Befana?

What is the story of La Befana?

In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats on the morning of the Epiphany, January 6. But if you were bad, look out – you may wake up to a lump of coal. We know. Familiar, right?

Is La Befana in the Bible?

Christian legend had it that Befana was approached by the biblical magi, also known as the Three Wise Men (or the three kings) a few days before the birth of the Infant Jesus. They asked for directions to where the Son of God was, as they had seen his star in the sky, but she did not know.

What do you leave out for La Befana?

Italians say that Befana is still searching for that baby and, on her quest, she leaves treats such as toys and candy or fruit for well-behaved children. Naughty children get chunks of coal, onions, and garlic, or even a straw from her broom instead of rewards.

What is a special saying on La Befana?

As a dialect proverb says, “Dopo le sante feste de Natal, le santissime de carnaval!” (After the holy feasts of Christmas, the most holy ones of carnival!) con le toppe alla sottana: Viva, viva la Befana! Hurray, Hurray, la Befana!

Why does La Befana hold a broomstick?

Just a short time after Christmas, on the 6th January, there’s La Befana. The strange idea behind it is that on the Epiphany eve, an old witch hops on her broom to deliver sweets to children, meaning they wake up on the 6th to find a stocking full of goodies. Naughty children however will find only coal left behind!

Who created La Befana?

The figure of La Befana has been an Italian Christmas tradition, long before Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) made his way into the bel paese culture. Most sources say that the myth of La Befana goes back to the 13th century. The name La Befana derives from the word “epifania”.

Do Italian kids believe in Santa?

Italy is famous for their big Christmas spread for the whole family to enjoy. Italian children call Santa Claus ‘Babbo Natale’. He is becoming more popular in Italy for gift giving on Christmas Day but La Befana, the old woman who delivers gifts on Epiphany on 6th January, is still more common.

Why does La Befana visit children on the eve of the Epiphany?

Now La Befana flies around on her broomstick each year on the night before Epiphany, bringing gifts to children in hopes that she might find the Baby Jesus.

Do you say happy La Befana?

“La Befana” is usually portrayed as an ugly-looking old witch, so a gentleman should never wish Happy Befana Day to a woman. That would get you an angry look if you are lucky, and a threat to be fed coal if not.

What do Italy call Santa?

Babbo Natale
St. Nick, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, whatever you want to call him, it wouldn’t truly be Christmas without the jolly old benefactor giving out presents to the children around the world! And Babbo Natale – or Daddy Christmas – is Italy’s answer to the man in the red suit.

How old is La Befana?

The figure of La Befana has been an Italian Christmas tradition, long before Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) made his way into the bel paese culture. Most sources say that the myth of La Befana goes back to the 13th century.