In Italian Christmas folklore, La Befana (pronounced [beˈfana]) is represented by an old woman riding a broomstick through the air. She delivers various sweets and candy to good children on Epiphany Eve. But if you were bad – watch out… you may wake up to a lump of coal.
Sound familiar?
I can assure you she does not say, “Ho, ho, ho” or has any association with reindeer – just an ordinary broom.
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History
After the winter solstice, the death and rebirth of nature were celebrated. It was believed that a goddess flew over the fields, ensuring fertility for the next season. Despite possible ancient roots, La Befana only became popular in Italy in the early 1900s.
In the popular fairytale version, the wise men invited a witch-like woman, to join them on their journey to Bethlehem. They invited her to bring gifts to the Christ child. She refused initially, due to being too busy with housework, but then experienced second thoughts. La Befana then tried following them using the same star but was unable to find the manger before the Wise Men on January 6 – the Epiphany. Unable to find Jesus, the kind-hearted Befana gave the toys to other children.
Befana enters houses through chimneys, or other secret techniques when a home doesn’t have a fireplace, she wears her shawl caked with layers of chimney soot. She’s also very kind as she is known to sweep the floor of a home before she departs, a symbolic gesture for clearing out the old just as the new year is dawning.
Is La Befana Only in Italy?
La Befana is mainly associated with central Italy and especially Rome, where the Christmas market in Piazza Navona is known by her name. But, the custom spread to the rest of the country during the 20th century.
Although overshadowed by the modern tradition of Santa Claus, La Befana remains adored by Italian children, who hang up their stockings in anticipation of gifts on the night of January 5.
La Befana has been in the Italian tradition since the eighth century, as part of the Epiphany. In Italy, the Epiphany marks the official end of the Christmas season, commemorating the day when the three Wise Men arrived at the manger bearing gifts. Every year throughout Italy, January 5th is celebrated with living nativity scenes and processions through cities and towns.
Treats Enjoyed on January 6
Special treats on January 6th include small cookies called, befanini and Befana cake. This cake is large with a dried bean inside. Whoever gets the bean in their slice is celebrated as the king or queen for the day.
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La Befana Today
La Befana today continues to travel the world on Epiphany Eve, searching every house for children, leaving candies for the good, and coal for the naughty. This Italian tradition has been celebrated since the eighth century. Every year throughout Italy, January 5th is celebrated with living nativity scenes and processions through cities and towns.
My nonna (who emigrated 100 years ago from near Barga) made befana cookies every Christmas…sort of a plain cookie bottom but with amaretto and lemon zest, topped with a dot of a ground almond-lemon zest-sugar-egg white mixture, then once baked and cooled she dusted them with copious amounts of powdered sugar. They were a favorite!
Oh my, Julie… those cookies sound delicious. Did she not pass down the recipe to you?
Nonna didn’t write down her recipes but thankfully her niece watched her make them and wrote it all down so now I have the recipe.
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