“Santa Claus” is translated in Italian as “Babbo Natale.” The word “Babbo” is a familiar term for “father,” and “Natale” means “Christmas,” so “Babbo Natale” means “Father Christmas.”
In Italian folklore, the Befana (Italian: [beˈfaːna]) is an old woman or witch 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.
Babbo Natale {pr. n.} The government, meanwhile, has been acting like Santa Claus. expand_more Il governo, nel frattempo, si comporta come Babbo Natale.
Christmas in Italy, or Natale in Italian, kicks off its festivities on December 8 with the feast of the Immaculate Conception when Italians traditionally put up the Christmas tree. The celebrations also typically end on January 6 of the following year with the Epiphany, which is also referred to as Three Kings' Day.
According to a popular song about Befana, she is dressed “in the Roman custom” (col vestito alla romana). Befana is not the “bad witch”, who lures unwitting children like Hansel and Gretel into her cottage and then devours them.
It would seem that, outside of Italy, Santa Claus has taken on the role of La Befana for the 25th of December. But Santa is well known in Italy... So, what does that mean? It simply means that Italian kids get to be the recipient of gifts from two festive deities, as opposed to the one most of us get.
In Japan Santa is known as サンタさん、サンタクロース / Santa-san (Mr Santa) or サンタクロース / Santa-Kurosu (Santa Claus). (Another Japanese gift bringer is Hoteiosho, a Japanese god of good fortune from Buddhism.
Unable to find Jesus, the kind-hearted Befana gave the toys to other children. Although overshadowed by the modern tradition of Santa Claus, La Befana remains adored by Italian children, who hang up their stockings in anticipation of gifts on the night between 5 and 6 January.
Unlike the bloated, red-coated father Christmas of the West, Russia's Santa Claus, known as Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), is slender with a wizard-like flowing beard and he wears a long robe that comes in different colors, such as blue and white.
Countries: Austria, Germany, France, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia and Hungary. Description: Krampus, which comes from the German word claw, is a "yeti-like creature" who punishes bad children with a whip and places them in a basket on his back, according to the Associated Press.
Regardless, the way that she's celebrated now—as the bringer of gifts… or of coal—has been around in Italy as early as the 13th century. No matter where La Befana comes from, she's one of the most fascinating Christmas traditions in Italy—and the favorite of children across the country!
Due to the many languages spoken in different parts of India, you'll hear Santa referred to as every Christmas Baba (Hindi), Christmas Taathaa (Tamil), Natal Bua (Marathi for Christmas Elder Man), and much more.
It is believed that the first Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was a monk and therefore did not marry. The Santa Claus that we know lives in the North Pole. According to some North American sources, his original name was Kris Kringle before he changed his name to Santa Claus.
Mrs. Claus is the wife of Santa Claus. She is known for making cookies with the elves, caring for the reindeer, and preparing toys with her husband, Santa Claus.
This way Santa in 2023 is around 1,752 years old. Hard to believe, but it makes sense when you remember the origin of Saint Nicholas, a monk from the 4th century.
After the winter solstice, the death and rebirth of nature were celebrated, and it was believed that a goddess flew over the fields, ensuring fertility for the next season. Despite possible ancient roots, La Befana only became popular in Italy in the early 1900s.
Traditionally it's La Befana who brings gifts and candy (or lumps of coal) to put in children's stockings, not on Christmas but on the eve of Epiphany. Although these days most children receive gifts on Christmas, it's still a fun day of celebrations, festivals, and small gifts and sweets.
La Befana, whose name comes from the Roman dialect's pronunciation of the Italian "epifania", is a friendly witch who comes delivering gifts for the good children, and lumps of coal to the bad ones.
In Southern and Central Italy, baked pasta is a must. In Northern Italy, Lasagne Bolognese and filled pasta like manicotti and ravioli are traditional Christmas fare. Next comes the main event, the meat. Roasted veal, baked chicken, sausages or braised beef are common Natale entrées worth celebrating.
The visit of La Befana is celebrated on Epiphany Eve (January 5) throughout Italy and in Sicily. La Befana is a friendly witch with a broomstick, shawl, and sack filled with sweets and gifts for children.
La Befana falls in fact on the day of the Epiphany, on January 6, aka the Christian holiday primarily commemorating the Three Wise Men's visit to baby Jesus and his baptism by John the Baptist.
