In Italy gifts are exchanged on Epiphany ... Befana delivers them ... she's a strega ... but a good strega ...
Christian legend had it that Befana was approached by the magi, also known as the Three Wise Men (or the three kings) a few days before the birth of the Infant Jesus. They asked for directions to where the Son of God was, as they had seen his star in the sky, but she did not know. She provided them with shelter for a night, as she was considered the best housekeeper in the village, with the most pleasant home. The magi invited her to join them on the journey to find the baby Jesus, but she declined, stating she was too busy with her housework. Later, La Befana had a change of heart, and tried to search out the astrologers and Jesus. That night she was not able to find them, so to this day, La Befana is searching for the little baby. She leaves all the good children toys and candy ("caramelle") or fruit, while the bad children get coal ("carbone"), onions or garlic.
Another Christian legend takes a slightly darker tone as La Befana was an ordinary woman with a child whom she greatly loved. However, her child died, and her resulting grief maddened her. Upon hearing news of Jesus being born, she set out to see him, delusional that he was her son. She eventually met Jesus and presented him with gifts to make him happy. The infant Jesus was delighted, and he gave La Befana a gift in return; she would be the mother of every child in Italy. - Source
Him love Befana!
Happy Epiphany!
(Tonight is also Russian Christmas Eve!)
(Carnival begins on Epiphany too!)
Can I just say how much I appreciate the stuff you write here? I have an uncle who's a hardcore Fatimist and lover of all things Infowars and Wikileaks, and he sent me into a bout of bad depression and anxiety regarding his whole end of the world Vatican conspiracy talk. It was because of a lot of the stuff you've covered on this blog that I was able to finally go "You know what? I don't buy it." So thanks, Terry.
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying that - God bless you - happy Epiphany!
DeleteThanks for La Befana post...brings back memories...I used to get oranges and walnuts in my sticking and was envious of the "American kids" who got tons of toys from Santa!! And I am allergic to walnuts!! Hmmm maybe THAT should've been my first clue!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome. My friends and inlaw-relatives are Italian and will be having parties tonight.
DeleteWe do not in the US give enough attention to the feast of the Three Kings. How many know the whole story? It is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for Terry to write and illustrate the children's book.
ReplyDeleteI second your idea. I would buy. Well, what about it Terry.
DeleteTomie DePaolo already did it.
DeleteLove Tomie DePaolo's books...have most of them and even a couple were signed for me by him.
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