La Befana: Unveiling Italy’s Magical Epiphany Traditions and Befanini Cookies

In Italy, the enchanting holiday season of Christmas and gift-giving extends beyond December 25th, culminating in two significant events on January 6th: Epiphany and La Befana. This day is not just a celebration but a national holiday across Italy, marking the official “twelfth day of Christmas” for Italians. Epiphany, a deeply rooted Christian holiday, commemorates the momentous arrival of the Three Magi – also known as the Wise Men or Kings – in Bethlehem. They came bearing precious gifts for the newborn baby Jesus, symbolizing divine revelation and the universal appeal of Christ’s birth.

However, for Italian children, January 6th holds an even more special magic: the arrival of La Befana. On the night of January 5th, eager children place large stockings by the fireplace, brimming with anticipation. They anxiously await the mysterious visit of La Befana, who is said to swoop in during the night to fill their stockings (calze) with delightful presents and an array of sweets. This gift-bearing figure is undeniably one of the most cherished characters in Italian folklore, captivating the hearts of children throughout the peninsula.

La Befana is often depicted as an old, white-haired woman, a benevolent “hag” or witch, clad in old, worn-out, and tattered clothes. Her signature mode of transport is an ancient broom, which she uses to fly through the night skies, delivering candy, delicious sweets, small toys, and other thoughtful gifts to all the good little ones. It is a time-honored tradition for La Befana to bestow these wonderful presents upon children who have been well-behaved throughout the year. But for those who have been naughty, a different kind of surprise awaits: lumps of charcoal! These symbolic pieces of “coal” (scarpe) are, in reality, dark candy, but they serve as a gentle yet clear message about good behavior. While Italian children do receive some gifts on Christmas Day, it is La Befana, not Santa Claus (Babbo Natale), who traditionally fills their stockings with her special offerings. Interestingly, her name, Befana, is derived from the Greek word “epifania,” which directly translates to Epiphany, highlighting her deep connection to the Christian feast.

A little while later, a humble shepherd stopped by her pristine cottage and also asked Befana to accompany him to Bethlehem to pay homage to the baby Christ child. Yet again, she courteously refused, citing her busy schedule.

As night descended once more, she gazed skyward and noticed an unusually bright star, radiating a light unlike any she had seen before. At first, she did not comprehend its significance. But then, a realization dawned upon her: she believed what the Wise Men and the shepherd had told her. A profound sense of regret washed over La Befana, as she felt she had made a terrible mistake by not joining them.

Overwhelmed by this realization, she swiftly changed her mind. She gathered a collection of treats and small gifts, intending to offer them to the baby Christ child. She carefully rolled them all into a large cloth bag, which she then securely tied to the end of her trusty broom. With newfound determination, she ran as fast as her old legs would carry her, searching frantically for the Wise Men and the shepherd. Sadly, despite her desperate efforts, La Befana never managed to find any of them. Neither did she locate the stable nor the baby King.

After days of relentless searching, the old woman, weary and heartbroken, decided to turn back to her solitary cottage in the Italian hills. Just as despair began to set in, a beautiful angel appeared before her. The angel, witnessing her pure heart and profound regret, encouraged her not to abandon her search. As a divine gift, the angel bestowed upon La Befana the ability to fly. So, Befana mounted her old broom and soared into the sky, embarking once again on her quest to find this special little baby. Despite her new ability, she never found Him in Bethlehem. Undeterred by this, she decided to return to her humble dwelling.

To this very day, every year on the eve of Epiphany (January 5th), La Befana takes flight on her broom, her heart still filled with the hope that one day she will finally find and adore the wonderful child she missed. Since she cannot find Him, she channels her boundless generosity, flying from house to house across Italy. She quietly enters every home, always hoping that she might find Jesus within a young child. Along her way, she delivers the toys and candy treats she has made in her big kettle (or, for the mischievous, lumps of charcoal) to children, as a perpetual act of penance for her regretful decision not to go to Bethlehem. Some beautiful folklore suggests that La Befana now symbolically finds Christ in every young child she visits, embodying a universal spirit of giving.

So, while Christmas decorations might be packed away in many parts of the world, the festivities in Italy truly PEAK on Epiphany and La Befana. Her magical rounds on the night before the Feast of Epiphany and the Three Kings on January 6th mark a vibrant climax to the holiday season. But the fun doesn’t merely stop with her visit! January 6th is typically a day full of lively festivals, parades, and community celebrations across Italy, ensuring the festive spirit continues unabated.

For Italian children, “La Befana” holds a similar place in their hearts as Santa Claus does for American children. Instead of leaving out milk and cookies, Italian tradition dictates that Befana expects to receive “una goccia di vino con i biscotti” (a glass of wine with a cookie)! This thoughtful offering is a small token of gratitude for her generosity and long journey.

Among the many treats enjoyed during this special time, the traditional Befanini cookie takes center stage. These small, delightful cookies, typically about ¼ inch thick, are often glazed and then beautifully decorated with colorful sprinkles, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

I have a new video in the creation stage that I hope to have uploaded in a few days! Stay tuned for more Italian culinary adventures.

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In the meantime, here are some

More Italian Cookies You Might Enjoy:

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Nutella Stuffed Snowball Cookies

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