In popular folklore Befana  (Epiphany) visits all the children of Italy on the eve of the 6th of January, in a similar way to Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus,  to fill their socks with candy and presents if they are good or a lump of coal or dark candy if they are bad. The child's family typically leaves a small glass of wine and a plate with a few morsels of food, often regional or local, for the Befana.

La Befana is a character in Italian folklore who delivers presents to children throughout Italy, in a similar way to Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus. The character may have originated in central Italy, then spread as a tradition to the rest of Italy.

A popular belief is that her name derives from the festival of Epiphany, but there is evidence to suggest that Befana is descended from the Sabine/Roman goddess named Strina.
"This Befana appears to be heir at law of a certain heathen goddess called Strenia, who presided over the new-year's gifts, 'Strenae,' from which, indeed, she derived her name. Her presents were of the same description as those of the Befana figs, dates, and honey. Moreover her solemnities were vigorously opposed by the early Christians on account of their noisy, riotous, and licentious character".

Befana means "Epifania"-"Epiphany" which is a Latin word with Greek origins. It can mean the "festival of" or ?manifestation. In the Catholic Church it means the Re Magi also known as "the wise kings" of baby Jesus.

In popular folklore Befana visits all the children of Italy on the eve of the 6th of January to fill their socks with candy and presents if they are good or a lump of coal or dark candy if they are bad. Being a good housekeeper, many say she will sweep the floor before she leaves. The child's family typically leaves a small glass of wine and a plate with a few morsels of food, often regional or local, for the Befana.

She is usually portrayed as an old lady riding a broomstick through the air wearing a black shawl and is covered in soot because she enters the children's houses through the chimney. She is often smiling and carries a bag or hamper filled with candy, gifts, or both.

SEE : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Befana    For:  Legend, History, La Befana today, Poems & Songs
 
 

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