The Befana is celebrated throughout all of Italy , and has become a national icon.
Who drops presents down the chimney in Italy?
In Greece, goblins known as Kallikantzaroi slip down the chimney to wreak havoc during the Twelve Days of Christmas. Italy's La Befana, sometimes called the Christmas witch , delivers gifts the night before Epiphany, leaving her presents in shoes set by the fireplace.
Which country does a witch drop presents?
In Italian folklore, Befana (pronounced [beˈfaːna]) 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.
What country is the Christmas Witch from?
While Krampus may be king of holiday scares, his fans may be overlooking an equally nasty, much more formidable queen—a Christmas monster who lives further north, in the frigid climes of Iceland who goes by the name Grýla, the Christmas witch.
What countries celebrate La Befana?
The modern day Befana is now celebrated throughout Italy . Some regions where the religious holiday of the Epiphany is held in a higher regard, such as Umbria, Le Marche, and Latium, have big festivals and markets, and many people like to dress in costume as Befana.
What is Santa called in Italy?
Italian children call Santa Claus ‘ Babbo Natale' . He is becoming more popular in Italy for gift giving on Christmas Day but La Befana, the old woman who delivers gifts on Epiphany on 6th January, is still more common.
Why do they burn Befana?
The feast of this fairy-tale old lady, so much beloved and feared by Italian children, takes origin from the “old lady” which was burned in the squares to celebrate the end of the year , a symbol of time cycles always ending and beginning again.
Why Santa goes down the chimney?
Santa adds a special potion to the milk that causes him to shrink in size , so he can go up and down the chimney. He carries a thermos that he can refill with milk at each house, so he always has milk with him while he's on each house's rooftop.
Who are the gift givers in Italy?
Although by now Santa Claus, called Babbo Natale in Italian, has made his way into the hearts of Italian children, the traditional gift giver is La Befana, a Christmas witch . Legend has it that la Befana was an old woman who was visited by the wise men, who asked her for directions days before the birth of Christ.
What types of gifts are given in Italy?
Social Gift Giving in Italy
Gifts are expected for social events and to express thanks for an invitation. If you are invited to someone's home, a gift of wine, chocolates, pastries or flowers is appropriate. If you prefer to send flowers, have them delivered earlier in the day.
Who believes in the Christmas Witch?
The legend of Befana began thousands of years ago and remains to this day a tradition practised by Italian children and their families . As the story goes, one day, the three Magi left their country bearing special gifts of gold, incense and myrrh for the new-born Jesus Christ.
Is La Befana a witch?
In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats on the morning of the Epiphany, January 6.
How is January 6 celebrated in Italy?
In other cities like Bologna, Florence and Milan, the holiday January 6 th is celebrated with a more Christian-related representation: parades of the three wise men will march along the main streets and churches , to end in a set of the nativity scene. These are a few examples of the Epiphany traditions in Italy.
What are common traditions in Italy?
- Epiphany and La Befana. Throughout Florence, it is tradition for an old woman to deliver gifts to children on Epiphany Eve. ...
- Carnevale. ...
- Florentine New Year. ...
- Scoppio del Carro. ...
- Patron Saint Feast Day. ...
- Notte Bianca. ...
- Festa della Rificolana. ...
- Republic Day.
Where do they say Dun Che Lao Ren?
In China , Santa is called Dun Che Lao Ren, which means “Christmas old man.” Not everyone in the country celebrates Christmas, or Sheng Dan Jieh.
