How do you say Happy Epiphany in Italian?

“’E l’Epifania,” an old saying goes, “Tutte le feste porta via,” (It’s Epiphany, and all of the holidays go away).

Is Befana the Italian Santa?

In Italian folklore, the Befana (pronounced [beˈfaːna]) is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to Santa Claus or the Three Magi Kings.

What is La Befana story?

In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats on the morning of the Epiphany, January 6. But if you were bad, look out – you may wake up to a lump of coal.

What do Italians do January 6th?

Italians celebrate the religious feast of the Epiphany, or the more popular folklore version of La Befana, on 6 January which falls on a Thursday in 2022. The Epiphany is a national holiday across Italy, with public offices closed, and marks the official end of the Christmas season.

How old is La Befana?

The figure of La Befana has been an Italian Christmas tradition, long before Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) made his way into the bel paese culture. Most sources say that the myth of La Befana goes back to the 13th century.

Why did Befana leave gifts?

According to the Italian legend, La Befana, a witch-like woman riding on a broom, refused to join the Wise Men on their journey to see the baby Jesus. When she regrets her decision, she sets out to bring gifts to the Child but never finds him. Instead, she leaves gifts for other children.

What does La Befana symbolize?

La Befana represents the arrival of the earth’s gifts, not only with her treasures but also with her feminine energy as well as her ability to create and conjure joy and abundance. The festival of Epiphany most likely coincided with the original date for the birth of Jesus, which was the 6th of January.

Why is Befana a witch?

Befana is a folklore tradition attached to a January holiday, but has some unusual characteristics that go along with it. Befana is said to be an old woman and many refer to her as a witch, who visits all the children in Italy on the eve of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6.