The Legend of La Befana
The legend tells that the three Kings, on the night between the 5th and 6th of January, wanted to visit baby Jesus. They walked all night carrying presents with them. They became lost and knocked at a door of an old woman’s house, the house of La Befana.
They asked Befana which way they had to go to find Jesus and if she could come with them to Bethlehem. Befana gave them the right directions but she refused to go as she had lots of things to do at home.
After that, however, she regretted saying no to their request. So she made lots of cakes and walked outside her home. She offered cakes to all the children she met on her way, hoping one of them were Jesus. Since then, Befana brings gifts to all the children.
La Befana Story
La Befana is a nice old woman who flies on her broom stick every year on the night between the 5th and 6th of January, which is the Epiphany day, to bring presents to children. That is why she carries a big bag on her back full of sweets, which la Befana will use to fill the stockings kids have left by their chimney. The kids who have behaved in the past year, will find sweets and chocolates in their stocking on the day of the Epiphany. Those who didn't behave will also get a few lumps of coal. However, everyone loves La Befana. Some people imagine La Befana with white hair, others with black hair but, a part from that, everybody agrees she has a long crooked nose, broken shoes and a patched dress.La Befana Song
The Befana comes by night
With her shoes all tattered and torn
She comes dressed in the roman way
Long live the Befana!
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