What is the special saying on La Befana?
Words and Expressions Viva, viva la Befana! Hurray, Hurray, la Befana!
What does Befana mean in Italy?
In Italian folklore, the 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 Santa Claus or the Three Magi Kings. A popular belief is that her name derives from the Feast of Epiphany (Italian: Festa dell’Epifania).
What does Befana bring with her?
Usually candies and small toys, these are whimsically said to be brought by La Befana, a kindly witch riding a broomstick. For naughty children she leaves just a lump of coal.
Why does Befana carry a broom?
According to the Befana legend, the kings passed her house on their way to Bethlehem and invited her to join them. She was too busy sweeping, and they left without her. She could never catch up, so now she soars through the night sky on that broomstick, dropping off treats for nice kids — and coal for naughty ones.
Do you say happy La Befana?
The presence of “La Befana” adds a special twist – but a word to the wise. “La Befana” is usually portrayed as an ugly-looking old witch, so a gentleman should never wish Happy Befana Day to a woman.
Do Italians still celebrate La Befana?
La Befana, which coincides with the feast of the Epiphany on 6 January, is an annual public holiday across Italy. Italians celebrate the religious feast of the Epiphany, or the more popular folklore version of La Befana, on 6 January which falls on a Thursday in 2022.
What do you leave out for La Befana?
Being a nice old witch (albeit not much to look at), La Befana is also said to sweep the floor for you. You in exchange are required to leave out a little glass of wine for her, which seems only fair really. La Befana is said to have been doing her housework when the 3 Wisemen passed by her house.
How do you say Three Kings day in Italian?
The saying goes ‘L’Epifania, tutte le feste porta via’ = The Epiphany carries festivities away’ however, there is still a lot of fun to be had on this day.
What is a Befana?
The Befana is also related to the mysterious rites of the Celtic peoples once inhabiting the whole Pianura Padana and part of the Alps, when wicker puppets were set on fire in honor of ancient gods. The witch, the woman magician (the priestess of the ancient celtic culture that knew the secrets of nature) took the form of the Befana.
Who is La Befana and what does she bring?
In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats on the morning of the Epiphany, January 6. But if you were bad, look out! JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser.
What is the Befana Festival in Bangladesh?
An annual Befana festival gets held between January 2 and January 6. During the celebrations, locals build the ‘house of the Befana’ and reserve a mailbox addressed to the lady. Here, a national meeting on the Befana gets held on January 5 and 6 yearly.
Why did La Befana refuse to follow the Wise Men?
Busy cleaning her home, La Befana declined at first – but then, after they carried on their way – she had second thoughts. She quickly filled a basket with gifts for the baby Jesus and set off alone. Although she followed the same star, she was unable to find the manger before the Wise Men did on January 6, the Epiphany.