While in most other parts of the world, Christmas and New Year holidays have now come to an end, Italians are still celebrating, as every January 6, the Epiphany, is a national holiday to commemorate the visit of the Three Kings, i Re Magi, to the Baby Jesus.
This is also the day when children receive presents from La Befana, a legendary figure who flies on a broomstick on Epiphany Eve and comes down the chimney to fill children's socks with either candy and presents, if they have been good, or a lump of coal if they have been naughty.
With the prospect of extra presents for the kids and one last feast before the year’s work starts proper, Epiphany is a much loved holiday in Italy. 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. That would get you an angry look if you are lucky, and a threat to be fed coal if not.
Italian women, on the other hand, embrace all their self-irony and start laughing at each other with special 'Befana wishes'. There isn't a single year when my cousins and I miss this occasion! After all, in what other time can you tell another “You are such a witch (Befana)!” and get away with it!
And in the spirit of self-mockery, below is a slideshow of women embracing their Befana selves...
Buona Befana to all our female readers then - I am, of course, just joking!
