We finish this column on Christmas traditions around the world with an Italian one: the Befana.
The Befana is celebrated on Epiphany, when the arrival of the Three Kings with their gifts from the Baby Jesus is remembered. Children on the eve of Epiphany hang up stockings, reminiscent of the sacks brought by the Befana, and wait for the Befana to bring them sweets during the night.
The figure of the Befana has two possible origins, one linked to pagan rites and another to Christian tradition.
According to the Romans, during the 12 nights following the winter solstice, female figures flew over the fields guided by the goddess Diana or the deity Sàtia to ensure that the future harvest would be abundant. Hence the image of the Befana flying on a broomstick.
Christian tradition has it instead that the Three Wise Men, on their way to Bethlehem, stopped to ask an old woman for directions. They then asked her to join them, but the old woman refused. After the Magi had left, the little old lady regretted her choice and set out to follow them, but without luck.
So she started going around stopping every child and giving them a present, in the hope that one of them would be Baby Jesus.
Every year, therefore, this search is repeated, and the befana stops at every house where there is a child to leave gifts.
