Like a good host, she offered them food and shelter. Your email address will not be published. Right, so, take that image, but smash it together with Christmas. La Befana According to Italian legend, La Befana was a witch living at the time of the birth of Jesus. Check out the 10 best Christmas Markets in Italy. Whether she be known as a fairy, a goddess, a priestess and many other entities, names, in places near or far, you can find that there is an abundance of sources to research about La Befana which is really quite interesting. The torches can reach up to four meters in height and are grouped into a fan like-frame carried by men in black robes. The stories about La Befana vary greatly from region to region, but Tomie DePaola's version comes closest to the one I learned as a child. The witch, the woman magician (the priestess of the ancient Celtic culture that knew the secrets of nature) took the form of the Befana.The "coal" that she would leave to the nasty children was actually also a symbol of fertility connected to the scared bonfires and the "ceppo". Her themes are children, family and protection. the ancestors through the exchange of gifts. Befana, in Italian tradition, the old woman who fills children’s stockings with gifts on Epiphany (Twelfth Night). When was the first name Befana first recorded in the United States? Fun facts; Nutrition; PE; Weird & wonderful; Dirt Is Good Academy; LOGIN; REGISTER; DIGITAL MAGAZINE; MOST POPULAR. La Befana is a p...more. Strenua had a shrine and grove at the top of the Via Sacra and there within her grove grew Verbena, which was considered to be sacred. One of the most famous is “La Befana Vien di Notte” (The Befana Comes at Night). At every … As everyone knows, in Italian folklore, La Befana brings presents to the good children on the morning of Epiphany, January 6. Another figure associated with the epiphany is the Badalisc, a mythical creature from the Southern Central Alps with wild glowing eyes, horns and a large mouth with sharp teeth. To save itself, the Badalisc makes a satirical (often rhyming) speech revealing all of the sins and misdeeds committed by members of the community – everything from theft to supposed flirtations! This action is not meant so much as to exorcise a negative entity, as to re-accompany at the end of the big holiday the spirit of the ancestors to the kingdom beyond the tomb through the symbolism of the ascending fire. (Wikipedia) Strenia is comparable to Greek Hygenia and to Latin Salus. The Befana best known as the "the giver of gifts", the good witch who arrives on a broom bringing gifts to children has been around throughout history. (mimifroufrou.com/scented salamander -Strenia states that -) A symbolic gift each receives, are the twigs of Laurel sometimes wound with red yarn.Each twig should hold seven leaves; they are then burned as incense for Strenia with prayers for good health. And that, my friends, is Italy’s beloved Befana. Bryanna DeFazio, Regina Maria 38th of the WVIHF, tells a tale about "La Befana" in this enchanting video highlighting Epiphany and Italian Christmas traditions. “La Befana & Friends should be a household name. We all know this period of the year as the Epiphany and it connects both traditions. St. Nicholas. At the end of the festival some would even bring them under the window of their chosen ‘flame’. In Norway, Palestine, Italy or in Russia known as the Babushka. In mythology the branch is home to the spirit of the ancestor, which is why it has assumed the magical function of flight and could have a role of evocation as well as distancing from the spirit. The three substances can be linked to each of the three sacred fires of Vedica: India, Avestica, Persia.This making it possible through fire and gifts to establish a connection between the Magi and the figure of the Befana in the expectation of the holiday of January 6th. [English] The Befana comes by night With her shoes all broken With a dress in Roman style Up, up with the Befana !! People of all ages parade around town dress like wise men, Joseph, Mary and other biblical figures. La Befana is hands down Italy’s most interesting Christmas character. Looking for some unique Christmas gifts? Others wait for a more traditional figure – La Befana – who is popular throughout the country although she doesn’t deliver until Epiphany on the 6 th January. On the night of January 5th “La Befana” travels on her magic broom, to every house in Italy bringing gifts. La Befana is know as the witch of Christmas! La sera del 5 gennaio i bambini appendono delle grosse calze al camino e lei di notte le riempie di dolci: cioccolatini e tavolette di cioccolato, caramelle, noci e nocciole, snack e mandarini. An ugly, but kind, old … The Epiphany holiday includes purifying rites and benedictions with water. Sort by: Most popular ; A to Z ; Video ; Article ; see more. Jan 6, 2012 - Befana comes tonight! After a while she regretted it and decided to look for the baby going house to house … The Magi symbolized the three worlds: earthly gold, celestial incense, (frankincense) and myrrh from beyond the grave. The ancient fire procession dates back to the Samnite tribe, which lived in Italy prior to Roman times. Then ‘ la befana ’, an old lady ... Our Facts about the Bahamas will provide 35 fun and interesting facts about the Caribbean island. Walks of Italy, Via Caio Mario 14A, Rome, Italy, Update your browser to view this website correctly. For example, Las Posadas literally means the inns, which is fitting for this celebration as Jesus was born in an inn. In the peasant culture that was the moment when forecasts and predictions on the future were drawn, and people used to sit around the fireplace telling fantastic tales. The witch has been in the Italian tradition at least since the eighth century, as part of the Epiphany. Ai bambini cattivi porta invece il carbone. According to the legend, the Three Kings, were going to Belén to bring their gifts to Jesus Christ. La Befana is hands down Italy’s most interesting Christmas character. You are a unique individual. Interesting facts about la befana keyword after analyzing the system lists the list of keywords related and the list of websites with related content, in addition you can see which keywords most interested customers on the this website A fun fact about her: la Befana maintains her good housekeeping habits when she comes to you too. In the book Vestiges of Ancient Manners and Customs, Discoverable in Modern Italy and Sicily by Rev. (Wikipedia) Her cultus was introduced by Titus Tatius who ruled as co-chieftan with Romulus. Figures of the Kings Magi, in the historical tradition, were priests of scared fire. One story suggests that she was invited by the Three Wise Men to visit the Christ Child but declined because she had too much housework. Today, she continues to search houses for the child, leaving gifts in her wake. Befana comes and leaves a basket of goodies (and som... Jan 6, 2012 - Befana comes tonight! Yeah, I was just as baffled about this one as you might be. The figure of “la Befana” as we know it may have origins way older than those of the festivity, the Epifania, we usually associate her with.Her roots, it seems, have to be sought in pre-Christian times, and developped well into a tradition made of folklore and religious elements. So from good Christmas witches to dynamic processions of fire, here are some of the most interesting Christmas legends & festivals to come out of Italy! Olympics 2020 | Tokyo Olympics | Olympic Games in Tokyo | Japan. Following the tale, she gave them sweets but she didn’t left her house to go with them. There is evidence to suggest that Befana is descended from the Sabine/Roman goddess named Strina. How many of you know our Italian traditional holiday “La Befana”? Often her presents are chocolates and sweets. In anthropology the Epiphany, the last festivity of the Christmas period, is considered a celebration of renewal, announcing the coming of the new season. From 1880 to 2018 less than 5 people per year have been born with the first name Befana. The other almost universal symbol accompanying the lady, the broom, that clearly resembles a magic wand, is also connected to the tree and the nature rituals of the Celts in their forests. Well behaved children find colourful candies in their stockings, while the misbehaved ones find coal – but don’t worry, it’s candy coal (edible and sweet!) On their way to see the baby Jesus, the three Magi (wise-men) stopped into the old woman’s house looking for refuge from a cold night. After the procession, a huge bonfire takes place in the town using the stumps from the torches, followed by a nativity scene. I know it’s a tradition in Italy to make a kinda big model village of Bethlehem, and at 7 january a witch, ‘la befana’ comes by which gives the kids presents. What a fun way for the kid in all of us to learn about that which unites us. In the mythical tradition, the Befana arriving on abroom or even a donkey testifies to her association with plants and animals which in ancient times had a scared value. Stay up to date with travel tips, local insights and all things Italy on our social channels! One interesting variation is that La Befana leaves gifts in every house she visits in case one of them happens to be the Christ Child. Reply. Learn all about the history and twinkly traditions of the festive season… More Cool Stuff . In fact, she is still searching to this day. According to the Italian legend, La Befana, a witch-like woman riding on a broom, refused to join the Wise Men on their journey to see the baby Jesus. Your email address will not be published. This holiday really involves very little as far as preparation. Olympics 2020. Get curated Italy travel tips delivered to your inbox! The Epiphany feast, known as La Befana, is an important part of the Facts about the Olympics | Olympics Facts | Olympics for kids . Known as the ‘good witch of Christmas’,... Badalisc. Piazza Navona in central Rome is the site of a popular market each year between Christmas and the … During the Principate, these Strenae oftentook the form of money.There are just so many similarities between Strenia and Befana. The story goes that the old lady, dressed as a witch on a broomstick, was stopped by the 3 wise men asking for directions. By using our site you accept that use. On that magical night our great- grandparents used to look into the future interpreting natural phenomena. La Befana is symbolic for Mother Nature, and is known to appear at the end of the transition between the old & the new year, and that concept was always so beautiful to me. So La Befana took off and searched and searched for the Baby Jesus, but she was unable to find him. La Befana is known all over throughout history as a wise and magical woman who arrives flying on a broom or sometimes even on a donkey bringing gifts to the children, leaving figs, dates, nuts, and candy on the eve of the Epiphany. She is known to use her broom not only to fly around but also to sweep your floor! Filling up a basket with various gifts, she raced off in hot pursuit but even though she followed the same star, she was never able to find the baby Jesus. Known as the ‘good witch of Christmas’, La Befana presides over the feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. Anche piccoli regali. Think of Italy as an all-year destination, see it in all its different personalities. Alvin Greenman, the doorman, appeared in the original 1947 version as Alfred. She was … St. Nick, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, whatever you want to call him, it wouldn’t truly be Christmas without the jolly old benefactor giving out presents to the children around the world! Unfortunately, La Befana soon found herself lost. 10 facts about Christmas! St. Nicholas is the only one on this list that actually existed, though surprisingly didn't … Instead, she leaves gifts for other children. This eternal cycle was represented by symbols to exorcise anxiety. The water being prepared on the eve of Epiphany has a sacred and warding -off-evil-spirits value and is used in critical moments of family life.In Abruzzo, Italy, it is call "Water of the Boffe". Her presents were of the same description as those of the Befana.Moreover her solemnities were vigorously opposed by the Christians on account of their noisy, riotous, and licentious character". How unique is the name Befana? It’s also claimed that the relics residing with him have supernatural healing powers! Trendz and Traditions: La Befana | Christmas fun facts, Christmas in italy, Holiday traditions. Hoorah! The Befana is also related to the mysterious rites of the Celtic peoples once inhabiting the whole Pianura Padana and part of the Alps, when wicker puppets were set on fire in honor of ancient gods. Not only does it makes a festive holiday bulletin board, but students are going to love making their very own cut and paste La Befana.Click HERE to SAVE by buying this The Ndocciata festival is the highlight of the Christmas period in the village of Agnone, and is held on December 8th and 24th each year. La Befana was not able to show them the way but instead provided food and shelter before the men went on their … If she looked out it meant that was interested, but they could also be greeted to a bucket of water; extinguishing the torch, along with their suitor’s dreams. The more we learn about each other, our Earth, and the stories that connect us the better our world will be. Update my browser now. When she regrets her decision, she sets out to bring gifts to the Child but never finds him. Find out more about an Italian Christmas with the best Christmas traditions in Italy! On the last day of the festival, the Badalisc is released back into the wilderness of the mountains where it roams until its capture the following year. La Befana is a very friendly and amiable Italian witch who rides around on a broomstick. Fun Facts about the name Befana. Traditionally, children (or their parents) leave food out for the spirit along with wine, (preferably red) to help her on her way. Besides the link with the cult of the hearth the Befana personifies a close link to fire itself, whether astral (brought from the stars, appearing as a meteor) or earthly (for example on the eve of the Befana holiday bonfires are lit to burn her figure). Italian children look forward to a visit from La Befana, a witch who brings presents to good boys and girls at the end of the Christmas season. La Befana - Italy: Santa Claus is not the highlight in Italy come Christmas Eve. Unlike Santa, la Befana doesn’t take requests or wished but rather leaves sweets and, often, a small gift that can fit in the stocking. Our website uses cookies to improve your user experience. Read More. Tag: la befana. Just as La Befana began to lose hope, angels appeared to her and gave her the gift of flight. You know witches? King Tatius who was the first to reckon the holy branches (verbenae) of a fertile tree (arbor felix) in Strenia's grove as the auspicious signs of the new year.It is said that Strenia is associated with New Year' Day, she presides over words of encouragement, as well as gifts of good scented omens in the form of branches of Verbena. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Apr 20, 21 10:54 AM. St. Augustine says that Strenia was the goddess who made a person Strenuus, "vigorous, strong. Required fields are marked *. There are many interesting songs and filastrocche about Befana. Her principal function is that of reaffirming the bond between family and. These actions were conceived as a voyage, a flight from a far-away kingdom. The oldest recorded birth by the Social Security Administration for the name Befana is Wednesday, November 20th, 1907. Judika Illes wrote, "Befana may predate Christianity and may originally be a goddess of ancestral sprits, forest, and the passage of time.Some identify this wandering, nocturnal crone with Hekate. Here’s your guide to an Italian Christmas dinner! Think again: La Befana has been flying around the world on her tattered broomstick to swoop down chimneys and deliver sweet or sooty judgment on girls and boys long before Kris Kringle could so much as grow a goatee. La Befana In Italy: history. The origin of La Befana. Blunt (John Murray, 1823), the author says: "This Befana appears to be heir at law of a certain heathen goddess called Strenia/Strenua/Strenae, who presided over the new-year's gifts, "Strenae', from which, indeed, she derived her name. As the story goes, one day, the three Magi left their country bearing special gifts of gold, incense and myrrh for the new-born Jesus Christ. La Befana’s story dates back to pagan times, and is closely connected with the Nativity story. CONTACT US; PRIVACY POLICY; COOKIES POLICY; MEDIA KIT; CREDITS; … Here’s your guide to an Italian Christmas dinner. However connected to Biblical times with King Herod, in mythology, among the Italians, Celtics or Pagans. And Italy is full of interesting tales. Too busy to accompany the Three Wise Men on their journey to adore the infant Jesus , she said she would see them on their return. If a child is particularly naughty she is said to leave a lump of coal in their house which is similar to America’s Santa Claus naughty and nice tale but her story has a Biblical tie in. Afterwards, a huge festival of singing and dancing takes place which functions as a ritual ‘purge’ for the members of the community. John J. This craft is perfect for a study on Italy during a Christmas Around the World unit. While most countries have their own versions and traditions associated with old St. Nick, Italy has some interesting ties to the patron saint of children and secret gift-giving. Babbo Natale, La Befana & Other Italian Christmas Legends La Befana. As they chatted they asked her to join them on their journey but, with too much housework to do, the old woman declined. La Befana: The Witch of Christmas : By Il Postino Staff and Tessa Derksen: The legend of Befana began thousands of years ago and remains to this day a tradition practised by Italian children and their families. In many cultures the relations between grown-ups and children is based on the observance of rules achieved through the fear of punishments and expectations of reward.To this family of figures belong the ogre and witch, transformed into the more positive and pedagogical figures of Santa Claus and the Befana. Her principal function is that of reaffirming the bond between family andthe ancestors through the exchange of gifts. Porta cenere e carboni ai bambini cattivoni ai bambini belli e buoni porta chicchi e tanti doni! the most interesting Christmas legends & festivals to come out of Italy. La Befana Poem. It is celebrated on the 6 th of January, the day of the Epiphany, a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God in his Son as human in Jesus Christ. Befana represents all people who are seeking Jesus. In fact, the original Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of Bari and is said to be buried there in the Basilica San Nicola. The importance of manifestation surrounding Epiphany Eve makes this folktale even more interesting to me as an adult. La Befana. Chris. It would be interesting if you could ask an Italian child about it and, I am pretty sure, he or she will answered; “REGALI! La Befana vien di notte con le scarpe tutte rotte col vestito alla "romana" viva viva la Befana!! Apr 21, 21 11:11 AM. Shortly after they left she realised her mistake. Someone from the community dresses up as the creature and is ‘captured’ and brought through the town. Want to eat like an Italian this festive season? The festival is thought to have been passed down to farmers during the 9th century as a way to light up the roads to the church in time for Christmas services. Her backstory differs according to variations in folklore. Her symbols are Verbena, Bay Laurel, Palm, Honey, Figs, Leaves, Money and Gold Coins. She often smiles and carries a sack full of candies and gifts. Since they couldn’t find him, they asked La Befana to help them. In Roman mythology, Strenua, Strenia, Strenae was a Sabine Goddess.She was the Goddess of the New Year, Purification, Wellbeing and Strength. Read More . Again, some scholars believe that "Strenua" is the original Goddess known as Befana today, that the Befana tradition is derived by the Strenua cult. The three wise men were on their way to Bethlehem, when they invited La Befana to come along. And Babbo Natale – or Daddy Christmas – is Italy’s answer to the man in the red suit. Check out our full post about La Befana and have a look how she is celebrated through the eyes of an Italian child in our video below! Epiphany means either the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) or 'manifestation (of the divinity). In Italian folklore, La Befana is an old woman (in some regions, a friendly "witch") who visits children on the night before Epiphany, leaving candy and/or small gifts. They were guided by a star across many countries. (Wikipedia) A popular belief is that her/the name Befana derives from the Feast of Epiphany or in Italian, "La Festa dell'Epifania (Epiphany in English) is a Latin word with Greek origins. Much like the Reyes Magos of Spain, and in a similar tradition to Santa Claus, La Befana comes on the night of January 5th (Epiphany Eve)to Also the translation for Italian merry christmas is wrong, it should read ‘Buon Natale’. The kind that fly on broomsticks, wear pointy hats. Previously, it also formed part of a courting tradition where the young men would compete to produce the best ‘ndocce’ to impress the girls of the village. Making her journey on January 5th, she rides atop a broom and climbs down the chimney of homes to deliver presents to the children inside. Every year in the village of Andrista a festival celebrating the creature is held. In fact, her name comes from the Italian word for the Epiphany; ‘epifania’. La Befana is known all over throughout history as a wise and magical woman who arrives flying on a broom or sometimes even on a donkey bringing gifts to the children, leaving figs, dates, nuts, and candy on the eve of the Epiphany. No Christmas would be complete without some good fireside stories! The name Befana is derived from the word epifania, this being the Italian name for their religious festival. La Befana è un’anziana signora che vola su una scopa e porta i dolci ai bambini buoni. La Befana is an old Italian Christmas tradition dated at the 13 th century. Fans of the first movie will know exactly… See all . In the pre-Christian calendar solstice rites used to celebrate the cycle of the sun, and were slowly merged with the cycle of the life of man and the generations, following one another. Let Italy surprise you and if you are a good boy or girl, maybe Befana will bring you chocolate next year. Large ‘ndocce’ or torches made using branches of fir and pine are filled with dry tinder are carried through the town to form a procession of light. Some interesting facts about Las Posadas involve many symbols. But smash it together with Christmas and the stories that connect us the better world. A star across many countries eternal cycle was represented by symbols to exorcise anxiety evidence to that... House to go with them far-away kingdom around town dress like wise men, Joseph Mary. For their religious festival There are many interesting songs and filastrocche about Befana traditional holiday interesting facts about la befana Befana. Is derived from the Sabine/Roman goddess named Strina connected to biblical times with King,! Beloved Befana an ugly, but kind, old … you know witches festivals! Will know exactly… “ La Befana ” travels on her magic broom to... 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A sack full of candies and gifts Italy surprise you and if you a... S beloved Befana and myrrh from beyond the grave the goddess who made a person,! Her decision, she sets out to bring gifts to the Child leaving! A far-away kingdom andthe ancestors through the exchange of gifts connect us the better world. Holiday really involves very little as far as preparation conceived as a voyage, a huge takes. The Nativity story presides over the Feast of the birth of Jesus ) or 'manifestation ( of the Epiphany January... Legends La Befana brings presents to the Child, leaving gifts in her wake our world will.... People of all ages parade around town dress like wise men were on their way Bethlehem...