A 13th century legend, started in Rome Italy. on the eve of the Epiphany January 6th
As the legend goes a lady (possible witch) covered in soot riding a broom comes down the chimney and leaves either a lump of coal or some candy depending on your status of naughty or nice? (sound like a legend you already know)? This broom riding lady full of soot has intrigued children all over Italy. Her arrival is on the eve of Epiphany and it is said that if the children do not go to bed and see her she will knock them on the head with her broom. So as the legend goes the children must be in bed and be nice to get the stocking full of candy or a knock on the head and a lump of coal will be the only thing given by Befana.
It’s hard to believe that a soot covered broom riding lady can keep the Italian children from being naughty and out of their beds? I have a feeling this like all legends from all over the world the children are good most of the time, but especially for Italian children on the night that Befana is to arrive with candy for the stockings.
As for me I will hang my door Befana decoration (pictured) so each time I open my door I can have a smile at the legend of Befana.
This broom riding, soot covered lady may bring just a few moments of peace in the excitement of the Italian holiday season as the children wait her arrival.
