Like children everywhere, Italian kids look forward to the arrival of the red-suited Babbo Natale on Christmas Eve. However, this relatively modern tradition pales in comparison to the anticipation generated by the arrival of an old witch in early January. On the eve of the Epiphany, the old, tattered and soot-covered Befana flies around the world on a broomstick and comes down chimneys to deliver candy and presents to children who have been good during the year. For those who have fallen a bit short of model behavior, la Befana will leave lumps of coal.
La Befana has been an Italian tradition since the thirteenth century and comes from Christian legend rather than popular culture. Although there are several versions of her story, my favorite is that la Befana was one of the inn keepers who turned Mary and Joseph away on their way to Bethlehem. Later she was approached by the Three Wise Men who asked her to lead them to the stable where the baby Jesus lay in a manger. La Befana was too busy cleaning her house at the time (that’s why she carries the broom), so she declined the offer to go with them. Very soon she realized that she had made a huge mistake, so she gathered up a bag full of gifts and sweet treats and set off alone in search of the baby Jesus. Though she followed the same star as the Magi, she was unable to find the stable. Undaunted, la Befana continues to travel the world over to this day searching every house for the Christ child, leaving gifts for kids along the way. On January 6, the first day of Epiphany, Italian children hold their breaths as they search their stockings for a sign that they have been good that year.
Instead of milk and cookies, Italian families often leave her a glass of wine and a plate of sausage and broccoli. The arrival of la Befana is celebrated with tradition
al Italian foods such as panettone (a Christmas cake) and marks the end of the long and festive holiday season in Italy. In Italy there is a saying ” L’Epifania che ogni festa si porta via” which roughly translated means “The Epiphany takes away all festivity”.
A beautifully illustrated new children’s book by Maria and Isabella Centofanti has recently been released that tells La Befana’s story. It’s available at http://www.italianchildrensmarket.com
And she’s not just Italian; in a similar Russian folk tale, an old woman who declines traveling with the Magi and then follows them afterward is dubbed Babushka. Although they look similar, the word babushka refers to an elderly woman. Babushkas in Russia seem to represent a totally independent part of society – they know everything and are good at giving a piece of advice whether you’ve asked for it or not. Here’s a beautiful portrait called “Babushka”, by Russian Artist Irina Gaiduk
Excerpts from this blog are taken from http://monteverdituscany.com and http://www.slate.com
Don’t forget to visit and like my facebook page. Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/saracinocollection or my instagram page at mariasaracinoca
MariaSaracino's Blog 
Beautiful,as usual; would love to buy either one. Have a wonderful and prosperous New Year.
Shirley Lee Klein
Pingback: Babushka and the Three Kings (Marathi) | The Kahani Project
Love this! I’m not Italian but my grandson’s grandfather (deceased) on his other side was one of the first Italians to come to live in our city. I have mentioned Befana to my grandson. I will look for the book to help tell the story. My dream would be able to purchase a Befana that you made!
Thank you Lisa. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021
do you have befana dolls or statues for sale?
Hi Pat, I sent you an email with a photo and some information on the Befana doll I have available. Let me know if you haven’t received it.
Thanks for getting in touch. All the best
Maria
Hi Maria, I’ve been looking for Befana doll, could you send me some information on what you may still have available. Thank you!
Hi Maria, If you happen to still have information on a Befana doll you have, can you please email me. Much appreciated!