Beautiful Legend Of La Befana – Witch Who Delivers Gifts To Children In Italy On Epiphany – Twelve Days After Christmas

Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - In most countries, children await the arrival of St. Nicolaus or Santa Claus, who will bring them gifts. In Italy, children eagerly count the days to the coming of La Befana on Epiphany, the Twelfth Night of Christmas. La Befana is a good broomstick-riding witch who delivers gifts to children.

La Befana has been an Italian Christmas tradition since the eighth century and is celebrated every year on January 6.

The Witch reminds of Baba Yaga, an enigmatic and powerful mythological figure in Slavic folklore. Both women are old, dressed in rags and a pointed hat, and have crooked noses. However, that's where the similarities end. While Baba Yaga was bribing children, La Befana gave them gifts.

It is said that La Befana is often accompanied by a black cat or a flock of birds.

According to the legend, La Befana was approached by the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, a few days before the birth of Jesus Christ.

This is a preview of our premium article available only to members of Ancient Pages.

Become a member to read more -  Click here

If you are already a member and have logged in to your account, you can access the article here

See also: 

Kallikantzaroi: Naughty Nocturnal Goblins Emerge From Underground Only During Twelve Days Of Christmas

Gryla: Cannibalistic, Evil Troll And Her Sons ‘Yule Lads’ – In Icelandic Folklore

Perchta: Evil Witch Of The Alps – An Old Tradition That Still Continues

Explore also:  Ancient Pages Library Of Ancient And Unexplained Mysteries