La Befana is a beloved witch-like figure in Italian folklore who delivers gifts to children on the eve of January 6th, the Christian feast of Epiphany. Throughout Rome on this night, an aged La Befana wearing a shawl and clutching a broomstick flies around on her magic broom, entering homes to fill children’s stockings with sweets and presents. The origin of the mythical figure is connected to the Biblical story of the Three Wise Men.
Having celebrated Christmas and New Year with pleasure, Italians do not stop. Winter holidays in their country cannot be imagined without the celebration of Epiphany. It is also called the Feast of Befana – after the main heroine of mass actions.
Strange as it may seem, but the image of the Italian “fairy”, which often has quite a witch-like appearance, is connected with Epiphany celebrations. How to brightly meet the festivities dedicated to Epiphany? “Of course, burn the witch,” the Italians will answer.
This tradition has become an integral part of the annual ritual. What is interesting about the holiday of Befana? What rituals is it associated with? And who is the mysterious fairy witch Befana in the legends?
Who is La Befana?
Every year on January 6, Catholic countries celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, but in Italy the celebration takes on a slightly different flavor, because it is no coincidence that it is associated with the name of Befana.
At the end of New Year’s festivities at Italian fairs disappear figures of Santa Claus, and they are replaced by Babbo Natale, which represents an old witch “armed” with a broom. This is how the Italians represent Befana, the good witch. According to beliefs, she walks all night through villages and towns, leaving gifts for the youngest members of families.
If you look at the images of Befana, it is clear that we are looking at a true witch. A hooked nose, disheveled hair, the presence of all sorts of magical attributes … However, a devious look and a sly smile say that this old woman will not bring evil. Befana is indeed a kind of kind “fairy”.
The Legend of La Befana
There are many interesting legends about Befana, but the most common story resembles a fairy tale, which are common in Italian folklore.
According to the legend, many years ago the Magi, having learned about the birth of Jesus Christ, went in search of the Savior, who was then still a baby. Passing through one of the villages, they noticed the cleanest and best-kept house. This was the dwelling of an old woman named Bethany.
Asking for a night’s lodging, the Magi were not refused. They enjoyed their stay with Bethany so much that in the morning they invited the old woman to come with them, explaining that they were looking for the baby Jesus.
But Bethany refused. “Forgive me, venerable elders,” she said. “But I will not go with you. I must finish cleaning the house.” The wise men left, and Bethany immersed herself in household chores. After a couple of hours, however, the old woman came to her senses.
She decided that she could not refuse the elders in such an important matter. Gathering many gifts, she rushed after the Magi. But unfortunately, it was impossible to make up for lost time. The Magi were too far ahead, and Bethany was never able to find the baby Jesus.
Ever since, on the eve of Epiphany, Befana has been wandering through the homes of Italian families, looking for that very baby. She leaves sweets, nuts and gifts for all the children.
The Amazing Tradition of the La Befana Feast
In the past, Italians told children that only an obedient child would find presents on the morning of Epiphany. If the child misbehaved, instead of candy he or she would receive charcoal. Of course, today no one leaves charcoal for naughty children, but the traditional sweets called carboni have remained the same.
In addition, an old tradition of burning an effigy of Befana on the Feast of Epiphany has survived to our day. What is this ritual connected with? According to many researchers, the roots of such a ritual come from Celtic culture.
In remote antiquity, Celts inhabited parts of what is now northern Italy. They practiced rituals of sacrifice, and the period of the winter solstice was one of the most important in the Celtic calendar. The Romans even claimed that the Celts sacrificed young girls, which supposedly contributed to a bountiful harvest the following year. However, such information was often fictional “horror stories” about a people so different from the Romans.
History of The Feast
After conquering the Celts, the Romans borrowed some of their traditions. It is known that Romans celebrated the festival Sol Invictus after the winter solstice – a celebration dedicated to the Sun god. This religious cult became especially popular during Emperor Aurelian’s time. At the same time there was a tradition of burning effigies on a bonfire. Romans would dress dolls of goddesses in old clothes that were to be discarded. It was believed that burning the old clothes symbolized burning away the bad things from the previous year.
Later, the custom of burning effigies became part of the Feast of the Epiphany. As you might guess, the Catholic Church did not approve of this ritual, which had clear pagan roots. In the 4th century, for example, this practice was declared satanic, and participants were treated as criminals.
But no bans or sanctions could stop people who enjoyed the rite so much. And today at Befana celebrations in Italy, people remember the good witch by burning her effigy.
Modern Italians, like their ancestors from many centuries ago, believe that together with old clothes and tree branches they bring for the fire, the misfortunes and sorrows from the previous year will disappear. The ancient ritual of the Celts has remarkably blended with present-day Italian culture and traditions.
The Feast of Befana in Italy is a unique take on Epiphany celebrations. Every year, the kindly old Befana delivers gifts to children, going house to house overnight. In many cities, theatrical performances depicting Befana’s story take place. The Befana holiday gives both children and adults’ faith in miracles and provides a connection to ancient traditions.
