~Celebrating Epiphany, Italian Style

January 5th-the eve of Epiphany and nearly the end of the Christmas season in Italy, as well as much of Europe.


January 6th is Epiphany, the celebration of the 12th day of Christmas, when the three wise men arrived to see Baby Jesus, bearing gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold. 


The legend of La Befana originates in central Italy. La Befana is a witch, who flies around on her broomstick, delivering small goodies to children who were good and lumps of coal - literally made out of (black) sugar - to those who were not so good on the eve of Ephiphany. (In my days of living in Italy as a teenager, I saw many a friend get coal in their shoes or stocking.) 


Legend has it that while the wise men were in search of Baby Jesus in the manger, they stopped to ask an old lady for directions. They also asked her to go with them to greet the newborn King. She declined, but later decided to follow them. Along the way, she got lost and never found the manger.


Now on the eve of every Epiphany, La Befana can be seen flying around on her broomstick, still in search of the manger and Baby Jesus, as she delivers small gifts to the children of Italy. Leave your shoes out on the eve of Epiphany for the arrival of La Befana, on her broom. But as with Santa, be sure you go to bed.....as La Befana passes over any homes where children may still be awake. 


(P.S.) La Befana prefers wine to Santa's milk!!! So be sure to leave some out on the 5th of January before you head to bed! ~White wine preferable!