What does befana mean in English?

La Befana – whose name translates in English to 'the witch' – is an Italian character in folklore who appears annually on the eve of the Epiphany, 5 January.

What does the Befana mean in English?

The name “Befana” is believed to be derived from the Italian word “Epifania,” which means Epiphany—a Christian holiday that commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. For many Italian children, the anticipation of La Befana's visit is as exciting as that of Santa Claus in other cultures.

Is La Befana good or bad?

La Befana is a good witch who not only rewards children for good (and punishes them for bad) behavior on the Eve of Epiphany, but is also capable of ``sweeping away'' the negative energy from the previous year with her broom.

What do Italians do on January 6th?

On January 6th, Italians celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with a national public holiday. Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas period and commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus to the Magi, or three wise men.

What do Italian children leave for La Befana?

In return, children leave out a shoe or hang stockings in anticipation of her visit – they even may leave out some sweets and wine for her to enjoy as well. Befana is said to leave sweet treats for children that were nice and charcoal (or dark hard candy) for those children who were naughty.

What is La Befana?

Do Italians still celebrate the Befana?

Contemporary customs. The Befana is celebrated throughout all of Italy, and has become a national icon. In the regions of Marche, Umbria, and Lazio, her figure is associated with the Papal States where the Epiphany held the most importance. Urbania is thought to be her official home.

What gifts does La Befana bring?

Here in Italy, it also represents the day of Befana, who is an old woman who delivers gifts (mainly chocolate) to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve if they were good, if not they get a lump of coal, just as Santa does on Christmas Eve.

What is the most important Italian holiday?

Christmas, also known as Natale, is the most important holiday in Italy.

Why is January 6th called Epiphany?

It is a special date for many Christians as it's when people celebrate how a star led the Magi - also known as the Three kings or the Wise Men - to visit the baby Jesus after he had been born. 'Epiphany' comes from the Greek word meaning 'to reveal', as it is when the baby Jesus was 'revealed' to the world.

What happens if you see La Befana?

Regional Variations: In some areas, La Befana is said to clean houses she visits, sweeping away bad luck with her broomstick. Global Recognition: While distinctly Italian, La Befana has gained recognition worldwide, with Italian communities abroad keeping the tradition alive.

What are some interesting facts about La Befana?

La Befana is an old and ugly woman because she represents the end of the year. In fact, one of her symbols is her broom. She uses to sweep all the past things away, preparing a clean space for new ones. According to a Tuscan custom, the act of burning a Befana doll symbolized the end of the year.

Do Italians have Father Christmas?

Babbo Natale is none other than Santa Claus to Italian children. But his real name is San Nicola Pastara di Licia, or Saint Nicholas. He was born in Turkey (3rd century AD) and became the bishop of Myra in Asia Minor.

What do Italians eat on La Befana?

The arrival of La Befana is celebrated with traditional Italian foods such as panettone and marks the end of the holiday season in Italy. In honor of the Three Wise Men, Italians go to church and enjoy spending the day with family. In my home, it was also the day to take down the tree and all the holiday decorations.

What does Befana mean in Portuguese?

Bifana ( lit. 'small steak') is a classic Portuguese sandwich eaten all across the country. Bifana. A bifana sandwich served in Porto with pulled pork, egg, and cheese.

How to celebrate Befana?

Traditions and events for celebrating 6 January

In Venice every year the Regata della Befana takes place, in which people dressed as the Befana challenge each other to a rowing race along the Grand Canal, while in Verona a large puppet is set on fire during the 'rogo della vecia' (burning of the old woman) ceremony.

What is the world's most famous holiday?

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.

What do they call money in Italy?

The currency in Italy is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents.

Where do the rich holiday in Italy?

What to bring from Italy gift?

Where does Befana leave gifts?

La Befana: the italian christmas witch

Unable to locate him, she decided to leave gifts for all children instead. Children hang stockings by the fireplace or near their beds, hoping to receive sweets and small presents from the befana. Those who have misbehaved might find coal (often candy in disguise) instead.

What to put in Befana stocking?

How to do La Befana?

La Befana is in the collective imagination an old woman who on the night between January 5 and 6, on a broom, flies over the roofs and coming down from the chimneys fills the stockings left hanging by the children, with gifts, candies and sweets of all kinds.

What does La Befana translate to?

The name La Befana translates to mean “epiphany". Many years ago in a small village, lived a woman by the name of La Befana. According to the ancient Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who rides a broomstick and delivers toys to all the children of Italy.