La Befana
On Epiphany night.
La Befana is an old lady who brings toys to children in parts of Italy on Epiphany night.
The legend is that on their way to deliver presents to Jesus, the Three Kings came across La Befana. They asked her to come with them, but she refused, saying she had too much housework to do. She later realized it had been wrong not to go with them. So she ran off with her broom in search of the Kings, bearing her own presents for the baby Jesus. But she never caught up to them.
O O O
Three men, riding camels
had stopped by her home
and asked for assistance.
Could she help them deliver
some birthday presents?
Alas, they were met
by her stubborn resistance.
She had said she could not
neglect the housework
but now, on reflection,
knew she’d been wrong
and given the impression
of being a dork.
With a sack full of gifts,
she jumped on her broom,
put it into first gear
and flew through the sky
without any fear.
She chased after them
but they were long gone.
It was at this point
that the silly Befana
realised she had acted
like a proper nana.
What to do with the toys
she had packed in haste?
To throw them away
would be a terrible waste.
Better maybe donate them
to good girls and boys.
The kids appreciated
the old lady’s largesse
and her initiative
was such a success
that she repeated it
every year after that.
© Luigi Pagano 2017
Enjoyed the tale, thanks,
Cheers, Gerald.
Knowing that Father Christmas had already delivered his presents elsewhere in December, it was frustrating having to wait for the Befana to arrive on tthe 6th of January but we had to behave or instead of presents we would have been given a sackful of coal.
Hello Luigi,I really enjoyed reading about La Befana. I can imagine the Children’s anticipation on that day.
We have a similar custom in Germany on St Nicholas Day, the 6th of December, when we used to leave a shoe or a slipper on the windowsill for St.Nicholas to leave some sweets etc.Thank you for sharing Luigi. A happy New Year to you and yours, Peter.
Yes, Peter. Santa Claus is the German equivalent of Father Christmas and is generally better known than the Befana who is part of the Italian folklore.
Thanks for the New Year wishes which I reciprovate.
Luigi.
Enjoyed the tale and the poem, Luigi. I love catching legends like this. They help to keep the magic alive in a cynical modern world.
Even in our old age we remain children at heart, Michael.
Thanks for your comment.
Best, Luigi.
Oh, that’s a lovely story, an English friend living in Belgium told me about their traditions. I find them fascinating and so comforting in this over commercialised hi-tech world.
Sue xx
I was brought with this legend, Sue, and still find it fascinating.
Luigi xx