Befana - Italy

In Italy there remains, a legend or tradition involving a Witch named Befana.
On the night of January 6th (Twelfth Night or the Eve of the Epiphany or Little
Christmas), Befana leaves presents in children's stockings hung upon the hearth
or in their shoes placed at the door, a tradition very much like Santa Claus asso-
ciated with Christmas in America. The children write notes and hide them up the
chimney for La Befana. The notes or offerings are generally a list of toys or other
items that they want La Befana to bring. The whole town is in a state of great anti-
cipation the day La Befana is due.
Befana fills up stockings with nuts and fruit and brings presents for all the good
children, and a lump of coal for the not-so-good children. In Italy today some candy
shops sell 'carbone' or black rock candy that actually looks like pieces of coal.
After her arrival, many parties take place, and people move around from house to
house visiting friends and relatives.

The Feast of the Epiphany, is the Christian celebration in remembrance of the
Magi's visit to the Christ-child. There is also the legend that Befana was invited
by the Magi or Wise Men to accompany them in their quest for the baby Jesus.
But she refused as she was so busy with household tasks. She intended to see them
when they passed by again. However, since the Magi returned home by a different
route, she missed them. Another tale says that she promised to catch up with them
when she was finished cleaning. By the time she finished, however, the Wise Men
were long gone. She frantically began running after them with gifts for the Christ-
child, still carrying her broom. Magically, she began to fly on her broom but could
not find the Wise Men or the Christ-child.

THE BALLAD OF BEFANA

Befana the Housewife, scrubbing her pane,
Saw three old sages ride down the lane,
Saw three gray travelers pass her door -
Gaspar, Balthazar, Melchior.

"Where journey you, sirs?" she asked of them.

Balthazar answered, "To Bethlehem,
For we have news of a marvelous thing.
Born in a stable is Christ the King."

"Give Him my welcome!"

Then Gaspar smiled,
"Come with us, mistress, to greet the Child."

"Oh, happily, happily would I fare,
Were my dusting through and I'd polished the stair."

Old Melchior leaned on his saddle horn.
"Then send but a gift to the small Newborn."

"Oh, gladly, gladly I'd send Him one,
Were the hearthstone swept and my weaving done.
"As soon as ever I've baked my bread,
I'll fetch Him a pillow for His head,
And a coverlet too," Befana said.
"When the rooms are aired and the linen dry,
I'll look at the Babe."

But the Three rode by.

She worked for a day and a night and a day,
Then, gifts in her hands, took up her way.
But she never could find where the Christ Child lay.

And still she wanders at Christmastide,
Houseless, whose house was all her pride,
Whose heart was tardy, whose gifts were late;
Wanders, and knocks at every gate,

Crying, "Good people, the bells begin!
Put off your toiling and let love in."

Phyllis McGinley

Here two small chants used by some Italian childern:

La Befana comes at night
In tattered shoes
Dressed in the Roman style
Long live la Befana!!

She brings cinders and coals
To the naughty children
To the good children
She brings sweets and lots of gifts.

She brings cinders and coals
To the naughty children
To the good children
She brings sweets and lots of gifts.

~~~~

Viene piano la Befana

Fate nanna, piccolini,
nei lettini
bianchi e belli come panna;
fate nanna!

Dal castello delle fate,
ch� � lass�, lontan lontano
fra le nevi immacolate,
al camino vien, pian piano
la befana, ricca e buona,
che vi dona
cavallucci, bamboline
e balocchi senza fine.

Glieli porta l� asinello,
forte e bello,
che le orecchie ha lunghe assai:
se vi sente, o bimbi, guai!

Fate nanna, piccolini,
nei lettini
bianchi e belli come panna;
fate nanna!

~~~~

In Rome, in Piazza Navona , is a typical toy and sweet market;
here you can meet the "Befana" in person who will give you some sweets!

< Als je een ogenblikje hebt,
wil je dan je naam in het gastenboek achterlater?
Dank je!

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