Why do we celebrate La Befana?
Befana arrives after children have gone to bed on the eve of the Festa dell’Epifania (Feast of Epiphany), which is a celebration of the visit of the Three Kings or Magi to the newborn Christ child in Bethlehem. …
How old is the story of 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”.
Is La Befana evil?
What is the History of the Story? In the distant past the people of Italy thought La Befana was evil. They rang clay bells and made noise to keep her away. Now she is viewed as a gentle spirit that will give gifts to the children of Italy.
What is the story of Befana?
In Italian folklore, Befana (pronounced [beˈfaːna]) is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to St. Nicholas or Santa Claus. A popular belief is that her name derives from the Feast of Epiphany (Italian: Festa dell’Epifania).
What gifts does La Befana bring?
Traditionally it’s La Befana who brings gifts and candy (or lumps of coal) to put in children’s stockings, not on Christmas but on the eve of Epiphany. Although these days most children receive gifts on Christmas, it’s still a fun day of celebrations, festivals, and small gifts and sweets.
Do Italian kids believe in Santa?
In the Western world we have Santa Claus and Italians also believe in Old Saint Nick during Christmas. Befana is said to be an old woman and many refer to her as a witch, who visits all the children in Italy on the eve of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6.
Who is Santa in Italy?
Babbo Natale
La Befana. Although by now Santa Claus, called Babbo Natale in Italian, has made his way into the hearts of Italian children, the traditional gift giver is La Befana, a Christmas witch.
Does La Befana fly?
La Befana is a witch who rides through the sky on her broomstick to deliver gifts on the night before Epiphany, the religious day that commemorates the arrival of the 3 Kings bearing gifts at the nativity. So she flies around each year looking for places to bring gifts.
Is Befana real?
Befana is a folklore tradition attached to a January holiday, but has some unusual characteristics that go along with it. Befana is said to be an old woman and many refer to her as a witch, who visits all the children in Italy on the eve of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6.
Who is La Befana in Italy?
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?
What is the legend of the Italian Befana?
The Legend 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.
When does La Befana go on her search?
And so, the story continues: Each year on January 5th (the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany), La Befana resumes her search of the Christ Child. As she travels from house to house, she drops off treats to sleeping children in hopes that the baby Jesus might also be with them.
How is La Befana different from Santa Claus?
Unlike Santa, la Befana doesn’t take requests or wished but rather leaves sweets and, often, a small gift that can fit in the stocking. A fun fact about her: la Befana maintains her good housekeeping habits when she comes to you too. She is known to use her broom not only to fly around but also to sweep your floor!
Where do people dress up as La Befana?
In Venice, on the 6th of January, men dressed as “La Befana” have boat racing on the Grand Canal. In the region of Tuscany, since early in the morning horns and drums fill the streets and people march down the streets. The biggest bonfire ceremony takes place in Tarcento.