Epiphany in Italy
Celebrations of the 12th Day of Christmas
By Vanessa Robinson
Originally Published: 2005-01-02
According to Christian tradition, the three Wise Men finally reached the manger in which baby Jesus was born on January 6; that day is now celebrated as the Epiphany (also known as Little Christmas) and it marks the end of the Christmas season. Epiphany is an especially important holiday in Italy, where the hype and commercialism of December 25 and Santa Claus are not nearly as prevalent as they are here in North America.
For Italian children, certainly, January 6 is an exciting day because it signals the arrival of La Befana, the benevolent witch who visits their homes during the night bearing treats and presents (for the good, of course – the bad children are left only lumps of coal!). Similar to Santa, La Befana enters by sliding down the chimney and then places small gifts in either the stockings or shoes of the sleeping children. Unlike Santa, La Befana is linked to the Christian tradition, for it is said that she was visited by the Wise Men on their way to find Jesus, when they stopped and asked her for directions. Apparently this elderly woman declined their invitation to join them in finding the newborn Christ, but then later, upon realizing she had made a mistake, went off on her own in search of the child. Not knowing who baby Jesus was, though, she extended treats to all the children she encountered on her way. According to legend, she repeats her journey every year.
La Befana, in her generosity and her history, reaffirms the bond between family, friends and their ancestors through the exchange of gifts. Epiphany is always celebrated with a great feast, which is then often followed by visits to the homes of family and friends. In the days leading up to January 6, many people place Bafana effigy dolls in their windows so as to invite her into their homes. Afterwards, these dolls are burned as a symbol of doing away with the bad of the old year, and welcoming the best of the new year to come.
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