La Befana
According
to Italian legend, La Befana was a witch living at the time of the birth of
Jesus. The three wise men were on their
way to Bethlehem, when they invited La Befana to come along. She was busy with
her housework and declined. Later, once she had finished her cleaning, she set
off on her broomstick with toys for the Gesú Bambino (Baby
Jesus). However, she could not find the Three Kings and soon lost her way.
Italian children believe that La Befana is still looking for Baby Jesus, and on
the eve of the Epiphany(January 6th), she flies down the chimney of each house,
and leaves gifts in the children’s shoes or Stockings which are left by the fireplace.
