What could a witch have to do with Christmas? Ask an Italian and they'll reply with glee that a witch is one of the most important parts of Christmas!
Instead of Santa Clause, St. Nicholas or Papa Noel, Italians believe in the legend of La Befana, a friendly with who flies through the country delivering presents.
The most popular legend says that when the Three Wisemen were traveling to find the baby Jesus they stopped overnight at Befana's house where she gave shelter, food and drink. They asked if she would like to join, but she declined. The next day after they left she had a change of heart and went on her own to find the baby. Now every Christmas she travels across the world once again seeking the Baby Jesus.
Another tale about Belfana says that she was an old woman who had lost her son and was very bereft. Hearing the news that Jesus had been born, Befana got confused and thought that this new baby might be her son. She traveled to meet him and brought him presents. Jesus was so delighted in the gifts, he gave her a gift too: she became the mother of all the children of Italy.
Scroll down for some photos and more interesting trivia about Befana. Please SHARE if you love new, interesting Christmas facts!
La Befana flies through the air on Christmas Eve. She gives presents to any good boys and girls while the bad kids get coal, onion or garlic.
She is traditionally portrayed with a black shawl as she flies on a broom through the air. She is usually covered in soot as she's been using chimneys to deliver the gifts.
It's said that if you see Befana, she will hit you with her broom. Parents tell their children this so that they don't sneak out of bed on Christmas Eve.
Part of the reason she uses a broom is because she's a good housekeeper. Children often know that Befana has come to visit because the area near the chimney (or door) will have been freshly swept.
In America, children leave Santa milk and cookies. In Italy, children leave a glass of wine and some small morsels of local food for Befana.
The Italian town of Urbania has a tiny house with a mailbox that they say belongs to Befana. Children can write letters to Befana with what they want for Christmas and they will be delivered to this house.
Though some may think associating a magical woman with the birth of Christ isn't appropriate, many Christian Italians love the symbolism that the Befana is seeking Christ through the whole world and she sees a little bit of Christ's goodness in each child she visits.
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