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| La Befana is an Epiphany character and her name means Epiphany (The "Ah Ha" moment of revelation). My version of this folkloric Christmas gift giver carries a rose mallow seed pod as a broom and a cotton batting 'cocoon-like' basket of coal. She was made in much the same way as a little Grecon Doll. Go here to read how I made Grandpa Eustace who has the same wire armiture body type. |
Christian legend had it that the Befana was approached by the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men or the Three Kings, a few days before the birth of the Baby Jesus. They asked for directions to where the Son of God was, as they had seen his star in the sky, but she did not know. She provided them with shelter for a night as she was considered the best housekeeper in the village with the most pleasant home. The Magi invited her to join them on the journey to find the Baby Jesus, but she declined, stating she was too busy with her housework. Later, the Befana had a change of heart and tried to search out the Magi and Jesus. That night she was not able to find them, so to this day the Befana is still searching for the Baby Jesus. She leaves all the good children toys and candy (caramelle) or fruit while the bad children get coal or dark candy (carbone).
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| La Befana carries a basket of carbone for those children who have been naughty. She wears a black lace head covering like so many old Italian grandmothers many years ago. Her hair is long and grey, her dress a black and autumnal colored print. She wears a grey shawl and wears an "all-seeing-eye" broach, remember she is a 'seeker' or Epiphany character which means she is still searching for God. |
The Befana comes by night
With her shoes all broken
With a dress in Roman Style
Up, up with the Bafana!
She brings ashes and coal
To bad nasty children
To the nice good child
She brings candies and many gifts!
Another commonly heard Christian legend of the Befana starts at the time of the birth of the Baby Jesus. In this telling, Befana spent her days cleaning and sweeping. One day the Magi came to her door in search of the Baby Jesus. However, she turned them away because she was too busy cleaning. Feeling guilty, she eventually decides to find Jesus on her own by following a bright light, also known as the big star in the sky which she believes points the way. She brings along a bag filled with baked goods and gifts for Jesus and a broom to help the new mother clean. Unfortunately despite her best efforts she never finds him. According to this telling, the Befana is still searching after all these centuries for the newborn Messiah. On the eve of the Epiphany, the Befana comes to every house where there is a child and leaves a gift. Although she has been unsuccessful in her search, she still leaves gifts for children everywhere because the Christ Child can be found in all children.
Little Books and Great Stories readaloud
'Old Befana' by Tomie Depaola
