Which country has a friendly witch called Befana?

Italy
In Italy, this legendary lady is as much a part of the Christmas period, as the jolly bearded man! The friendly old hag brings gifts to good girls and boys on the holy day of Epiphany, and is adored and celebrated across the country. Read on to discover the tale of La Befana…

What countries celebrate Befana?

The modern day Befana is now celebrated throughout Italy. Some regions where the religious holiday of the Epiphany is held in a higher regard, such as Umbria, Le Marche, and Latium, have big festivals and markets, and many people like to dress in costume as Befana.

Is La Befana from Italy?

The Legend of La Befana In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats on the morning of the Epiphany, January 6. In Italy, the Epiphany marks the official end of the Christmas season, commemorating the day when the three Wise Men arrived at the manger bearing gifts.

Where did La Befana originate?

La Befana originates from a fairytale about a woman who flies on a broomstick bringing presents to children in Italy. La Befana is believed to be searching for baby Jesus, hence why she bears gifts for children. Many cities and towns in Italy organize festivities and parades to celebrate Epiphany on January 6.

What does Italy call their Santa?

Babbo Natale
La Befana. Although by now Santa Claus, called Babbo Natale in Italian, has made his way into the hearts of Italian children, the traditional gift giver is La Befana, a Christmas witch.

How is January 6th celebrated in Italy?

The tradition of La Befana, who arrives on the Epiphany, plays a big part in Italian Christmas celebrations. The holiday also marks the end of Christmas and New Year’s festivities in Italy, after which children go back to school, adults go back to work, and the Christmas decorations come down.

What do Italians leave for La Befana?

Italians say that Befana is still searching for that baby and, on her quest, she leaves treats such as toys and candy or fruit for well-behaved children. Naughty children get chunks of coal, onions, and garlic, or even a straw from her broom instead of rewards.

What gifts does La Befana bring?

In popular folklore, Befana visits all the children of Italy on the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany to fill their socks with candy and presents if they are good, or a lump of coal or dark candy if they are bad.

When does La Befana come to deliver gifts?

Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – In most countries, children await the arrival of St. Nicolaus or Santa Claus who will bring them gifts. In Italy children eagerly count the days to the coming of La Befana on Epiphany, the Twelfth Night of Christmas.

Who is the witch that delivers gifts to children?

La Befana is a good broomstick riding witch who delivers gifts to children. La Befana has been an Italian Christmas tradition at least since the eighth century is celebrated every year on January 6. The witch reminds of Baba Yaga, an enigmatic and powerful mythological figure in Slavic folklore.

What did the Befana give to their children?

Into the socks that children left hanging near the fireplace she leaves candies and gifts for good children, black coal (actually black sugar today), garlic and onions to the bad ones. Parents of course would always include some coal over the gifts, to cheat their children.

Who delivers presents to the children in Italy?

Three Befane with their brooms. In Italian folklore, Befana (pronounced [beˈfaːna]) is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to St Nicholas or Santa Claus.