What does La Befana mean in Italian?

In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats on the morning of the Epiphany, January 6.

What is the special saying on La Befana?

con le toppe alla sottana: Viva, viva la Befana! Hurray, Hurray, la Befana!

What does Befana mean in English?

befana in British English

(bəˈfɑːnə ) noun. (in Italian folklore) an ugly good fairy who brings gifts to good children on Epiphany eve.

Why is La Befana a witch?

She's affectionately known as “the Christmas witch”, due to her costume and association with Sabine, who was sometimes referred to as a good witch, and protector of children. In fact, Befana is not technically a witch at all, although she has some obvious characteristics of fairytale witches.

Why does Italy celebrate La Befana?

In Italian folklore, Befana is an old soot-covered woman or witch who delivers presents to Italian children on the night before La Befana (Epiphany Eve). The story goes that on their way to see the infant Jesus, the Magi stopped to ask Befana for directions and asked her to join them.

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Do you say happy La Befana?

“La Befana” is usually portrayed as an ugly-looking old witch, so a gentleman should never wish Happy Befana Day to a woman. That would get you an angry look if you are lucky, and a threat to be fed coal if not.

What food is eaten on La Befana?

The arrival of la Befana is celebrated with traditional Italian foods such as panettone and marks the end of the long and festive holiday season in Italy.

Do Italians still celebrate La Befana?

La Befana, which coincides with the feast of the Epiphany on 6 January, is an annual public holiday across Italy. Italians celebrate the religious feast of the Epiphany, or the more popular folklore version of La Befana, on 6 January which falls on a Thursday in 2022.

What is Santa called in Italy?

For children in Italy, the jolly man bearing gifts is called Babbo Natale -- he's an Italian version of Father Christmas, but rarely found in the southern half of Italy. "Babbo Natale is really someone who came from the northern part of Europe," said Betta Alinovi.

Why does La Befana hold a broomstick?

Just a short time after Christmas, on the 6th January, there's La Befana. The strange idea behind it is that on the Epiphany eve, an old witch hops on her broom to deliver sweets to children, meaning they wake up on the 6th to find a stocking full of goodies. Naughty children however will find only coal left behind!

Who created La Befana?

The figure of La Befana has been an Italian Christmas tradition, long before Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) made his way into the bel paese culture. Most sources say that the myth of La Befana goes back to the 13th century. The name La Befana derives from the word "epifania".

What is Italian Epiphany?

The 6th of January is a fun day to be in Italy, especially if you are child (in age or at heart!) It is the day when the country celebrates the Epiphany, the festivity remembering the arrival of the Three Kings to the crib of baby Jesus, and it is one of the most beloved holidays in the country.

What are some symbols of La Befana?

In the same way as those mythological figures, also the Befana flies. La Befana is an old and ugly woman because she represents the end of the year. In fact, one of her symbols is the broom. She uses to sweep all the past things away, preparing a clean space for the new ones.

What is the 7 Fishes tradition?

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is the annual Christmas Eve vigil and epic seafood feast that has grown into the most beloved meal of the year in Italian-American households. Steeped in tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is the centerpiece meal of the entire holiday season.

How do you celebrate Befana?

In Italy, good children receive gifts not only on Christmas, but also on January 6^th, in celebration of the Epiphany. Usually candies and small toys, these are whimsically said to be brought by La Befana, a kindly witch riding a broomstick. For naughty children she leaves just a lump of coal.

Is Befana in the Bible?

Christian legend had it that Befana was approached by the biblical 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.

Is Befana a witch?

In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats on the morning of the Epiphany, January 6.

Who is the gift giver for Italy?

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. Legend has it that la Befana was an old woman who was visited by the wise men, who asked her for directions days before the birth of Christ.

What is Christmas called in Italy?

Christmas in Italy (in Italian: Natale) begins on December 8, with the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the day on which traditionally the Christmas tree is mounted and ends on January 6, of the following year with the Epiphany (in Italian: Epifania).

What is January 6th called in Italy?

The Feast of the Epiphany, an important post-Christmas date on the Christian calendar, is celebrated on January 6 as a national holiday in Italy. The tradition of La Befana, who arrives on the Epiphany, plays a big part in Italian Christmas celebrations.

Is Little Christmas Italian?

In Italy, the Epiphany on January 6th is also known as “Little Christmas” and is a public holiday.

Where does La Befana live?

La Befana lived alone in a house in the hills of Italy, spending her days cooking and cleaning. One night she noticed a bright light in the sky. After some thought, La Befana decided to ignore the light and go back to work.

What does Santa look like in Italy?

Babbo Natale is a skinnier and more regal looking version of Santa Claus. They both wear red cloaks with white trim, but Santa Claus has most decidedly enjoyed more second helpings at the dinner table than Babbo Natale.

What is an Italian panettone?

Pronounced "pah-net-taw-nee," Panettone is an Italian yeast-leavened bread, usually made with raisins, candied fruit peels, almonds, and brandy.