La Befana: The Magic of Epiphany Eve
La Befana Vien di notte; (The Befana comes at night)
Con le scarpe tutte rotte; (With her shoes all torn)
Con le toppe alla sottana; (With patches on her skirt)
Viva, viva La Befana! (Long live The Befana!)
Ciao Amici!
Tonight in Italy, we are awaiting a visit from La Befana!
La Befana is a beloved figure in Italian folklore, traditionally portrayed as an old, witch-like woman who soars through the night sky on a broomstick on January 5, the eve of the Epiphany, traveling from home to home delivering candy and gifts to children.
The name La Befana is derived from the Italian word Epifania, meaning Epiphany (from Greek epi {ἐπί}: "on" phaínein {φαίνειν} “appear”). Her story blends Christian tradition with much older, pre-Christian beliefs tied to the agricultural calendar. In the most familiar legend, La Befana encounters the Three Wise Men on their journey to visit the Christ Child. Because she is busy with her household tasks, she declines to join them, only to later regret her decision. She sets out in search of the child, carrying gifts, and along the way leaving treats for the children she meets, hoping one of them may be the child she is seeking.
Artist: Unknown
Historically, La Befana is also thought to align with ancient Roman festivals that celebrated the end of the harvest year and the cycle of renewal. Over time, these traditions merged with Christian symbolism, transforming La Befana into a figure who represents reflection, generosity, and the closing of one chapter before another begins.
Despite her unconventional and sometimes stern appearance, La Befana is a benevolent and affectionate figure. One of her most endearing qualities is her dual nature: she rewards good behavior while gently encouraging better choices in the year ahead. For well-behaved children, stockings are filled with sweets, fruit, nuts, and small toys. For those who may have misbehaved, La Befana leaves symbolic “coal”, not as punishment, but as a playful reminder to do better. Even then, the coal is often made of sugar or chocolate, ensuring the tradition remains lighthearted and kind. At her core, La Befana reflects the Italian sense of dolcezza; a blend of sweetness, warmth, and affection. She is a figure of generosity and care, embodying the spirit of love and goodwill that defines the holiday season.
M. Kennedy - Sicilian Chocolate
In more recent years, La Befana has also come to symbolize Italian identity beyond national borders. Celebrated in Italian communities around the world, her story has traveled wherever Italian culture has taken root, preserving a sense of heritage and continuity across generations.
There is a saying in Italy, “L’Epifania tutte le feste porta via” (“The Epiphany takes all the holidays away”) marking La Befana’s visit as a festive farewell to the festa (holiday season). Before she departs, she is said to sweep the floors, brushing away the troubles of the old year and clearing the way for renewal. In this quiet, symbolic gesture, La Befana leaves behind not just sweets and tradition, but a sense of closure and a fresh beginning as the new year truly begins.
Wishing you sweet, fresh beginnings to this new year!
A presto!
Isidoro & Monica