La Befana is the benevolent old woman with magical powers who brings gifts to the children of Italy on the eve of the Epiphany.

In the weeks preceding Epiphany, the children of Italy are busy writing notes to Befana telling her the presents they would most like to receive.

And they are on their best behavior because they know that Befana will leave a lump of coal, instead of sweets and presents, for ill-behaved youngsters.

Now you can bring the Italian Christmas tradition of la Befana to your home or classroom.

Educators and families can present a cultural activity that is fun for children and teaches the legend of la Befana.  The materials include a synopsis of the legend, craft activity, coloring activity, full color image, simple storybook, the 'la Befana' costume checklist, a traditional poem in Italian and more, along with a list of related books, dolls, a video and website links.

Children will learn some simple words, phrases and a poem in the Italian language as they partake in the fun activities and experience the legend of la Befana - an Italian Christmas tradition.

NOTE: I previously on November 15th had advised you that the "Frizzi & Lazzi Olde Time Italian-American Music & Theatre Company" gives performances of "The Legend of La Befana", children’s musical production, at several locations in the NYC Metro Area during December and January. (Contact Dr. Aleandri for Dates)

This musical production, enjoyed by children and adults alike, celebrates Italian tradition and culture for the Christmas holidays.

If you are Not in the NYC metro area, community leaders should consider how the "The Legend of La Befana" can be performed in YOUR Community. Dr. Aleandri has a SCRIPT, and it can be LICENSED at a reasonable royalty fee.  Wouldn't this be a Fun Project, not only for the kid audience, the kid/adult actors, and the adult administrative team?

Contact Dr. Aleandri at:
Frizzi & Lazzi The Olde Time Italian-American Music & Theatre Company
Website: http://www.FrizziLazzi.com
Have Broom, Will Travel
140 Riverside Drive NY 10024-2605
212 769 8920; fax 212 769 2078
cell 917 821 1036
email:ealeandri@aol.com

Courtesy of  J. D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY
Geoffrey Claroni, Esq.
Assistant Director for Community Programs

FUN ACTIVITIES FOR THE HOME OR CLASSROOM

LA BEFANA is the benevolent old woman with magical powers who brings gifts to the children of Italy on the eve of the Epiphany.

Like any other legend, there are many versions.  There is an abundance of sources to research the history, origin, significance and the numerous versions of la Befana - an Italian Christmas tradition.  (Some resources are listed below.)

DERIVATION:  The name Befana is derived from the word epifania, the Italian name for the religious festival of the Epiphany.

A TRADITION FOR CHILDREN:  In the weeks preceding Epiphany, the children of Italy are busy writing notes to Befana telling her the presents they would most like to receive.  And they are on their best behavior because they know that Befana will leave a lump of coal, instead of sweets and toys, for ill-behaved youngsters.

THE LEGEND:

Synopsis:  This story takes place at the time of the birth of Baby Jesus, the Christ Child.  La Befana is an old woman who lives in a house in the hills of Italy.  She once had a husband and child, but now lives alone.  Befana spends her days sweeping and baking.  One night, Befana notices a bright light in the sky, she thinks nothing of it and goes back to her work of sweeping and baking.  Later, a glorious caravan led by Three Wise Men stop and ask Befana for directions to Bethlehem and invite Befana to join them in their search for the Christ Child.  But Befana is too busy and knows nothing of this far-away place nor the birth of a special baby.  After the caravan disappeared over the hills, Befana thought of how much she missed her child who sadly died at a very young age.  She changed her mind and wanted to visit this special child, because she loves children very much.   So she placed some baked goods and gifts for the child in a sack, took her broom to help the new mother clean and raced out after the caravan in search of the Baby Jesus.  Befana soon was lost.  And just as she tired, angels appeared from the bright light, the magic star, in the sky to give flight to Befana on her broom - after all this was a night of miracles.  She searched and searched for the Baby Jesus.  Befana still searches, even today, even after all these centuries.  And so, every year on the eve of the Epiphany, whenever Befana comes to a house where there is a child, she drops in to see if it might be the child she seeks.   It never is, but Befana leaves a gift anyway.  For Befana has come to realize, over the years, that her searching is not vain, that in a way the Christ Child can be found in all children.

Poem:

La Befana vien di notte,
con le scarpe tutte rotte,
col cappello alla romana …
viva, viva, la Befana!

For another poem visit:
http://italian.about.com/library/weekly/aa120600j.htm

Craft activity:  Children can decorate a holiday stocking to prepare for the visit from la Befana.

Color-in activity:  To print a line drawing of la Befana, click here.

Storybook:  To print a simple storybook, that you can color-in, about la Befana, click here.

Full color image:  To print a full color image of la Befana, click here.

La Befana Doll:

Among other places, a doll of la Befana can be purchased at:

E. Rossi & Sons
191 Grand Street (at the corner of Mulberry Street), Little Italy, Manhattan
(212) 966-6640

Capri Universal, Inc.
615 East 187th Street (near Arthur Avenue), Belmont section of the Bronx
(718) 367-1843

The Costume:

The costume of la Befana is simple and can be created out of items from the house:

shawl
scarf
apron
old broken shoes  (le scarpe tutte rotte)
eyeglasses
burlap sack
straw broom  (la scopa)
coal  (il carbone)

Storybooks:

The Legend of Old Befana  by Tomie De Paola
Befana:  A Christmas Story  by Anne Rockwell
The Legend of Befana  by Henry Chafetz
The Christmas Witch:  An Italian Legend  by Joanne Oppenheim
The Christmas Witch  by Ilse Plume

Video:

Websites:

A simple keyword search of “la Befana” will retrieve several websites in English and Italian, such as;

www.labefana.com
www.labefana.info
www.labefana.it
www.la-befana.it
 

To view this information in the Original:

Go To:John D. Calandra Italian American Institute: Community Affairs
http://www.qc.edu/calandra/community
- scroll down - double click on   "The Legend of 'La Befana':  Fun Activities for the
Home or Classroom."

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