PicoBlog

While many of us have packed up our Christmas decorations by now, not everyone is finished celebrating.

As I recently learned (through my seven-year-old son), Italians get more presents on January 6.

“That’s when Befana comes!” his Italian friend told him.

Wait, who is Befana? 

I knew January 6 as Epiphany, 12 days after Christmas, and the day that commemorates when the Three Wise Men visited the baby Jesus.

But I did not know that for Italians, this is also the day to celebrate the arrival of La Befana.

Legend has it that La Befana was an old woman of modest means, who lived at the time of Jesus’s birth.

One night, the Three Wise Men stopped at her modest shack asking for food and shelter, and directions to Bethlehem. 

La Befana greeted them warmly, and though she could not give them directions, she did offer them food and shelter.

The Three Wise Men were so touched by her kindness (and impressed with the tidiness of her home) that they invited her to join them on their journey.

Sadly, La Befana had to decline their invitation, as she had too much housework to do.

Armed with gifts and her broom, La Befana set out to find the Three Wise Men and Jesus – but was unsuccessful.

So she keeps looking – every year.

On January 5, children in Italy will hang their stockings along the chimney, hoping La Befana will bring them treats.

That evening, La Befana will hop on her broomstick and take to the skies looking for the Christ Child – leaving gifts for all of the children of Italy on her way.

At each house she will travel down the chimneys to deliver presents to children – and give the homes a good sweep with her broom while she’s there.

Instead of milk and cookies, La Befana may find a glass of wine and an Italian treat like panettone or pandoro waiting for her.

When the children awake on January 6, they will discover what La Befana has left for them. 

Those who have been good will receive sweets in their stockings, while naughty children may find a hard black candy called carbone – or onions, garlic or sticks.

A woman flying on a broom leaving presents for children sounds a lot like Santa Claus, but most sources say that the story of La Befana dates back to the 13th century, before the legend of Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) was popular in Italy.

And though she is often referred to as the “Christmas Witch”, technically La Befana was a casalinga (housewife), not a strega (witch).

But the depictions of La Befana do fit nicely with the stereotypical image of a witch. 

La Befana is shown as an old woman who wears a pointy hat, a patchwork dress and a kerchief.

She has a long nose with a wart on it, and carries (or rides) a broom. 

And while her broom allows her to fly, it was also her curse – as it is what kept her from seeing Jesus with the Wise Men.

If learning about La Befana has made you want to take a trip to Italy, consider a trip to Urbania, where they hold a four-day festival for La Befana from January 2-6, or head to Rome to visit the La Befana Christmas Market in Piazza Navona, or check out the Viva La Befana parade on the morning of January 6.

And if the internet is to be believed, prepare to hear this song:

I didn’t plan to write a story this week, but my curiosity never takes a vacation! However, I am planning to take a writing break next week, and will be back in your inbox on January 19.

Stay curious in the meantime!

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