In Italian folklore, Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to St Nicholas or Santa Claus. But children get gifts from both Father Christmas and Befana.
A popular belief is that her name derives from the Feast of Epiphany or in Italian, "La Festa dell'Epifania". Epiphania (Epiphany in English) is a Latin word with Greek origins. Epiphany means either the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) or “manifestation of the divinity."
In popular folklore Befana visits all the children of Italy on the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany to fill their stockings with candy and presents if they are good. Or a lump of coal or dark candy if they are bad.
La befana is picking up coal for naughty kids!
La befana is on the roof, trying her flying broomstick. She has to travel from house to house, all over Italy!! Good flight!
Buoma festa dell’Epifania! Enjoy it!
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