The Legend of la BEFANA
[
Maddalena Delli]
Until recent times Italian children did not receive their presents from Santa Claus at Christmas, but from a benevolent witch called Befana on January 6th. Good children got sweets and other goodies, while naughty children received lumps of coal. Legend has it that the Befana gave hospitality to the Wise Men when they called on their way to Bethlehem, but would not go with them because she was too busy. However on afterthoughts she repented her decision and now spends her time leaving presents at each house she visits, just in case one of the children living there is baby Jesus...
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