Waiting for this holiday I thought I'd give you some information on ....
La Befana (or Epiphany, the manifestation) is a mythical character in the collective aspect to the old woman who brings gifts to good children on the night between 5 and 6 January.
Its origin is lost in the mists of time, down from pre Christian and magical traditions, popular culture, blending elements of folk and Christian: the Befana brings gifts in memory of those offered by the Child Jesus Magi. The iconography is fixed: a dark and wide skirts, an apron with pockets, a shawl, a kerchief on her head, a pair of worn shoes, all enlivened by numerous patches colored. He refers to his appearance
the rhyme (the Epiphany) which is recited in his honor:
La Befana comes by night with broken shoes
his hat to the Roman ...
VIVA Viva la Befana!
In the night between 5 and January 6, astride a broom, under the weight of a bag overflowing with toys, chocolates and candy (on the bottom there is always a good dose of ash and coal), it passes over the roofs and climbing down the chimney fills stockings left hanging by the children.
These, in turn, prepare for the good old, on a plate, a mandarin or an orange and a glass of wine. The next morning, along with the gifts will find the meal and the footprint of the hand of the Epiphany on the ashes scattered on the plate.
from the site www.la-befana.it
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