La Befana
Ahh La Befana. Today we celebrate the day of the epiphany, which represents the day the 3 Magi visited and brought gifts to the baby Jesus. But as a child, this day meant much more to me and was welcomed with glee, as this day was the day La Befana, a kindly old Italian witch from folklore, filled my stockings with treasure. But beware of being a naughty child throughout the year for if so, instead of treats, you would receive coal and orange rinds, which, is exactly what I received one unhappy year. LOL The coal is usually a sugar treat or meringue coloured black with food colouring but for lazy moms just dump in some real coal and the kiddies will get the picture for sure. I know I did. ;) But I digress…The name Befana itself, is derived from the Greek word for Epiphany or the Italian word Epifania. This benevolent witch derives from an old Italian tradition which, for some lucky children (and adults), remains a welcomed and cherished icon to this day. She is one of the three goddesses of Fate in Tuscan Witchcraft: Rododesa, Marantega and Befana, and can be considered the Italian version of Santa Claus. She flies around on her broomstick dressed as a Renaissance peasant woman with a black shawl and shuffles down chimneys like Santa to fill socks and stockings with gifts.
Legend has it that one night the 3 wise men were lost and happened upon the house of La Befana for directions. She knew not where to lead them so invited them in for a welcomed night's rest. The next day the Magi asked her to come along on their journey and search for baby Jesus but La Befana sadly declined, stating she had too many chores and housework to do. She later reconsidered and sought out to join the wise men but could no longer find them and to this day she flies through the night in search of the baby she did not meet.
A popular song or chant about the Befana is fondly sung like a Christmas carol:
La Befana vien di notte
con le scarpe tutte rotte
col vestito alla "romana"
viva viva la Befana!!
Porta cenere e carboni
ai bambini cattivoni
ai bambini belli e buoni
porta chicchi e tanti doni!
Which translates to:
The Befana comes by night
With her shoes all broken
With a dress in Roman style
Hooray for la Befana !!
She brings ashes and coal
To very bad children
To the nice and good children
She brings candies and many gifts !
Obviously the poetic melody and rhyme is lost in translation.
There are many versions of this song as well as the legend itself, but each adaptation describes the merriment of this holiday and encourages us all to be a little more giving and to take the time for loved ones, regardless of how busy we are.
For me, this will remain a time honoured tradition and one which I hope to one day share and pass on to my own children and family. I urge you all to adopt this fun-filled holiday as well because Christmas just isn't long enough. ;)
To learn more about the Befana here are some links I have found:
posted by Maia @ 1/06/2007 08:43:00 p.m.
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