The story of “La Befana" begins when the three Magi left their country bearing special gifts of gold, incense and myrrh for the new-born Jesus Christ. They were guided by a star across many countries. At every village that they passed, people ran to meet them and accompany them in their journey. But there was one old woman who did not join the Magi, called Befana. She claimed to be too busy with her housework and promised to join them later when she had time. The next day, she realized her mistake and frantically ran after the Magi with gifts for the child, still clutching her broom. But it was too late – the Magi were long gone. Ever since then it is believed that on the eve of January 6th, also called the Epiphany or Twelfth Night, Befana flies from house to house on her old broomstick and delivers all the gifts she didn’t give to the Holy Child to good girls and boys, including sweets and kindling wood for the entire family. Befana’s name is the Greek word for “epifania” or “epiphany,” and is significant because the religious feast of the Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th. This Christian celebration, is in remembrance of the Magi’s visit to Jesus, (the night that Befana flies the skies) Befana is still thought of as an old woman who flies a broom and wears a black shawl over a dress dirty with soot from the chimneys she climbs down to deliver her gifts. #GhostsOfChristmas #LaBefana #Befana #Epiphany #BroomRide (at Devil's Arrows) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4_F0mzDmND/?igshid=96ak3g2qx7n3
