The Befana is an old lady with a long nose and a pointed chin who travels far and wide on a broom, bringing gifts to all children. She carries a sack overflowing with toys, chocolates, candies, and tangerines, with which she climbs down the chimneys of houses and fills the stockings left hanging by the children.

 

However, not all children receive sweets and candy. If one has not behaved well, the Befana leaves a big handful of coal in the stockings of the naughty children. 

 

The name Befana first appeared in writing in a poem published in 1549, where she was depicted as an old scary lady dressed in dark rags. In modern times, however, the Befana is no longer frightening and all the children eagerly wait and prepare a snack for the old lady who will bring them a sweet present. 

The origin of the name Befana can be traced back to a mispronunciation of Epifania, which translates to "epiphany" in English. This term is derived from the Greek word epiphàneia, meaning "divine revelation”. According to Christian tradition, the arrival of the Wise Kings at the birth of Jesus Christ on January 6th symbolizes His epiphany to the world, as this event is considered the first public revelation of Christ.

Legend has it that the Three Kings, unable to find their way, asked an old woman for directions. The woman helped the kings, who in gratitude invited her to join them on their journey. The old woman refused, only to regret it after the wise kings resumed their journey. She then prepared a sack of sweets and set out to find the Three Kings. Unsuccessful, she decided to knock on every door and give candy to every child she met, hoping that one of them would be the Baby Jesus himself.

Despite the Christian connection, figures resembling the Befana can also be identified in other traditions. The roots of the Befana, for example, appear to lie in the ancient celebration of the transition to the New Year by offering gifts to Mother Earth, who appeared in the form of the Elder Goddess. In fact, the appearance of the Befana resembles the winterly cold and dry nature. Just as the earth appears harsh and frightening in winter but then gives way to a colorful spring, the Befana also hides generosity, hope, and gifts behind the witch's form.

 

In ancient Rome, people also celebrated the coming year by wishing for good fortune and prosperity. Wishes were exchanged, and clay, bronze, or silver figurines were given as gifts in honor of the goddess Strenia. The Sigillaria festival, named after these figurines, was especially anticipated by children who waited for the New Year to arrive to receive their long-awaited gifts. 

 

Even in the Middle Ages, the period between Christmas and Epiphany was considered particularly important, and the task of restoring the fertility of the land fell on a woman. The goddess Diana, associated with fertility, hunting, and vegetation, was believed to fly over cultivated fields with other female figures.

Today, after decades in which the tradition of the Befana seemed to be on the verge of disappearing, Italian children look forward to January 6th. On the evening of January 5th, each family places long, colorful stockings by the fireplace (or any other place easily reached by an old lady on a broom!), only to find them filled with sweets and small gifts the next morning. 

 

In addition, it is possible to meet the Befana in many cities and towns. Many places hold colorful parades to celebrate the arrival of the Epiphany and the end of the Christmas season. 

 

If you are an Au Pair in Italy, we wish you a Joyful Epiphany and hope that your Befana didn't put any coal in your stocking! After eating all the candy that you and your host children have received, we suggest that you go out and join the closest parade. It would be a nice moment to spend with your Host Family and to learn more about Italian folklore.

 

On the other hand, if you are an Italian Au Pair living abroad, do not forget to tell your host kids stories about the old lady, put your stocking by the fireplace, and prepare a nice snack for the Befana! Not only will it be interesting for the children to learn about your culture, but it will also help you feel less nostalgic during the holiday season. One fun thing to do together is to teach them the famous Befana chant in Italian and translate it into the language of your host kids. We go first:
 

 

La Befana vien di notte

Con le scarpe tutte rotte

Col vestito alla romana

Viva, viva la Befana!!

 

The Befana comes by night

With her shoes all broken

With a dress in Roman style

Up, up with the Befana !!