Italy’s Epiphany Witch

Most of us have grown up hearing that if you aren’t good Santa will bring you coal instead of gifts. But, in Italy there’s another creature who brings you gifts and if you’re not good, she brings children garlic! This is Italy’s Epiphany witch, known to many as La Befana. She’s a sign of the Christmas season and unlike in most North American homes, she gives something for kids to look forward to in the New Year!

In many parts of the world 12 Days of Christmas isn’t just a song. The festive season lasts from December 25th until January 6th, the latter being the Epiphany. This day in some Christian religions marks the day when the Magi (the Three Kings or Three Wisemen) finally reach baby Jesus and present him with gifts. While some regions are celebrating Christmas earlier each year, there are many people who look forward to these post-New Years celebrations as an essential part of the fun.

The tradition of La Befana likely dates back to the Middle Ages, but it’s not known exactly when she first appeared. She is often depicted as an old witch, with broom, kerchief, and a large nose. Across Italy you can find her on holiday cards, Christmas ornaments, and even depicted in local town fairs and plays. A few hours east of Florence you can find a massive celebration of La Befana in the city of Urbania.

She’s lesser known in the US, but keen Disney fans can sometimes find her in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot at Walt Disney World. So, what does this Epiphany witch do?

La Befana is a lot like Santa in that she seems to supernaturally know who’s been good and who’s been bad over the past year. She brings treats in the form of small toys or candies for those that have been good, little trinkets that show there is a reward for being kind and following the rules. For those who have been naughty she traditionally brings garlic or onions, something most children do not yet have a fondness for. She may also bring coal or some straw from her broom for those who haven’t been nice.

The legend goes that La Befana was visited by the Magi on their way to see the infant Christ. Being a dutiful housewife she fed them and let them stay with her. In the morning they offered for her to come with them, but she declined, saying that she had so much cleaning to do. She later regretted this and set out after them, becoming lost. To this day she visits children looking for the Christ child. While she’s at it she sweeps away the troubles of the previous year!

Like Santa she brings these tokens, be they welcome or not, in stockings and she’s often depicted holding several of them all at once. Italian children hang their stockings by the fireplace or by the window where she can enter the home. And, yes, she is said to drop down the chimney like Santa! But, instead of all this taking place on Christmas, it usually takes place on Twelfth Night, otherwise known as Epiphany Eve (January 5th). Some claim that she was around long before Santa and you really have to wonder if La Befana is where the inspiration for Santa Claus came from!

She has many names across Italy, including Pifanie (Epiphany), Stria (witch), and Voecia (old woman).

Some argue that La Befana isn’t a witch, just a grandmother. But, depictions of witches, like the one commemorating the witch trials of Triora in Northern Italy, just happen to look a whole lot like La Befana! Either way this tradition seems like a fun way to celebrate the new year and close out the festive season.