La Befana: Everyone's Favorite Christmas Witch

If you thought the holidays were over now that we're in the new year, think again. At least in Italy, we've got one more holiday to go!

January 6 is l'Epifania. From the Christian perspective, it represents the day the Magi (three Wise Men) went to visit Jesus.

But from a more magical perspective, it's a very interesting holiday revolving around a gift-giving witch.

The Story of La Befana

As the story goes, La Befana was out sweeping her front porch one day when three guys passed by carrying gifts.

"Hey, Witch. We're following that there star to find the Baby Jesus and give him these gifts. Wanna come?"

La Befana shooed the dudes away. She was much too busy to go visit a baby she didn't even know. She had laundry to do and dinner to cook, after all.

Later, after the men had left, La Befana began to regret turning down the offer. She found some gifts to take to the baby, and hopped on her broomstick to find him.

Unfortunately, she couldn't locate Baby Jesus. So instead, she dropped the gifts down to the good boys and girls below.

La Befana in Italy

La Befana is a bit of a Santa Claus figure, and it's more likely to be her than Babbo Natale who brings kids gifts this time of year. That is...if you've been good!

Kiddos leave stockings out on January 5, just like we do for Christmas. Good children find nice presents, while bad children find coal (shaped candy!).

You can find La Befana dolls sold everywhere from Christmas markets to cinese shops. In many cities, children can meet La Befana in person! She comes every year to Soverato, but last year, there were so many kids, I couldn't even see her.

I love the fact that the Christmas magic lasts a little longer here. I also love the fact that there is a VERY pagan character planted smack dab in the middle of the Christian story of Jesus' birth!