La Befana

The Christmas celebration in Italy doesn't come to an end until after tomorrow. January 6th is the Epiphany, the day the Magi arrived in Bethlehem with gifts for the twelve day old Jesus.

On Christmas Eve, our stockings were hung by the radiator with care, but Santa failed to fill them. It turns out that in Italy stockings are not filled until Befana, the good witch, comes the night before the Epiphany.

Eager to learn about this tradition, I searched the internet looking for articles related to La Befana. I found out that there are as many Befana legends as there are recipes for lasagna. I have decided to share with you my favorite of the legends.

Legend of La Befana
One night, while on thier journey, the Magi stopped in a small village in search of shelter for the night. They were told that Befana was the best house keeper in the village and so they approached her for food and place to sleep. Over dinner they told Befana of their journey to find the Christ child and invited her to join them. She declined stating that she had far too much house work to do.

The next day she bid the Magi farewell, but later had a change of heart. She ran out of the house with her broom stick in hand. They say she ran so fast that she took to flight, using her broom stick to steer. She searched for them into the night, but was never able to find them. To this day the Befena, whose name means "giver of gifts" searches for the Christ Child. And every year, she leaves toys and sweets to good little children on the night before January 6th.

Like Santa, the Befana will leave a lump of coal or a potato to the bad children. Instead of leaving out cookies though, Befana calls for a plate of broccoli, spicy sausage and a small glass of wine (I am not making this up).

For all of you Americans back home, get your Christmas stockings out and dust them off. Who knows, maybe La Befana will pay you a visit tonight!