The Legend of
La Befana

Growing up, I was told about the story of La Befana. La Befana is an old lady/ witch who gives gifts to children on January 6. January 6 is called the Eve of Epiphany. The epiphany symbolizes the end of the Christmas season in Italy. La Befana gives toys, candy, fruit, and little trinkets to well-behaved children and she will give coal to bad children. 

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The story of La Befana is about an old woman who travels to find a baby after being visited by three noblemen, (the magi) however when La Befana went to look for the baby the next day, she couldn't find it. 

According to the legend, La Befana is still traveling to find the baby and will leave gifts to children thinking they are the baby.

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Growing up, I was fascinated with the legend and I was always excited for La Befana to come because of the gifts she would bring. At the end of December each year, I would count down the days until January 6. My friends and I would leave our stockings up and would share what La Befana brought us.