The Feast of the Epiphany, celebrated January 6 with a national holiday in Italy, and the tradition of La Befana, are a big part of Italian Christmas celebrations. The Epiphany commemorates the 12th day of Christmas when the three Wise Men arrived at the manger bearing gifts for baby Jesus. The traditional Christmas holiday season in Italy lasts through Epiphany.
La Befana
Italy's traditional celebration includes the tale of a witch, known as La Befana, who arrives on her broomstick the night of January 5th and fills the stockings with toys and sweets for the good children and lumps of coal for the bad ones.
According to the legend, the night before the Wise Men arrived at the manger, they stopped at the shack of an old woman to ask directions. They invited her to come along but she replied that she was too busy. Then a shepherd asked her to join him but again she refused. Later that night she saw a great light in the sky and decided to join the Wise Men and the shepherd bearing gifts that belonged to her child that had died. She got lost and never found the manger.
Now La Befana flies around on her broomstick each year on the 11th night bringing gifts to children in hopes that she might find the Baby Jesus. Children hang their stockings on the evening of January 5th, awaiting the visit of La Befana.
The origins of La Befana may actually go back farther, to the Roman's pagan festival of Saturnalia, a one or two week festival starting just before the winter solstice. At the end of Saturnalia, Romans would go to the Temple of Juno on the Capitoline Hill, to have their augers read by an old crone. Many pagan traditions were incorporated into Christmas celebrations when Christianity became mainstream. La Befana was a good substitute for the old woman who read the augers. The saying auger, originated with this practice, too, as it was common to wish someone good augers.
I have included a picture of many La Befana's that are sold during this time of year. This picture was taken at Piazza Navona where they have a Christmas Festival each year. The children had a blast riding the carousel, eating crepes, watching the clown, and shopping!
Lisa,my dear, as always you do a "JAM-UP" job. Very well put and most of all very interesting. I feel sure Graci has taken all of this in and I feel sure Freedom has taken some of it in. Memeories that all of you will have. Sure is a lot to see and do over there. All of the walking is just way too much for a MeMe "like me".Very God. Enjoyed it muchly. Love, Mom
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