The legend of old befana by tomie depaola goodreads. It is the epifania epiphany, a christian holiday celebrated precisely 12 days after christmas. One winters night, a brilliant star awakens her to a passing caravan. She kindly gave them water and then invited them to dinner. The final feast is lepifania, on january 6, which commemorates the arrival of i re magi, the three kings who followed the bright christmas star. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that. Posted by cherrye monday, january 5 th, 2009 tomorrow, january. She is curious because a very bright star was shining above old befanas old befana is a. Youll meet the angel epiphany and befanas friend martino and youll find out. However, you probably dont know about her other duty. Show the book to the class and talk to them about legends. She, along with her calabrese husband, peppe and native southern italian team of heritage specialists, works to create oneofakind ancestry and custom vacations and tours.
A reclusive old woman named befana sweeps and bakes incessantly, and is heard. An old story that is not true but may be based on a true event. One of my favorite winter traditions is the celebration of epiphany in italy 6th of january. She was first recorded historically in 1549, in verse by the italian poet agnolo firenzuola. It engages the miracles, love and magic of christmas with a fun and humorous twist that reminds us that with a little help from the angels, anything is possible. In fact, the name befana comes from the italian name of that feast day, epifania. While children all over the world are unwrapping presents from santa each. This seems like a suitable way to open my giftof posts for 2020 which will continue to. Over the years, i have made many recipes from this book with great success.
Epifania is a latin word with greek origins meaning manifestation of the divinity. With epiphany coming up on january 6, weve already read the legend of. Epiphany commemorates the 12th day of christmas when the three wise men arrived at the manger bearing gifts for baby jesus. I like to bake these on the eve of epiphany and eat them the next day, when i take the christmas tree down. On the one side was the christian tradition of the epiphany, the first revelation of christ as man and god to the magi who came with gifts for the messiah. But the appearance of a brilliant star one winters night changes everything. A popular belief is that her name derives from the feast of epiphany italian. Tonight, on the eve of the epiphany, twelfth night, the last of the midwinter gift bearers will make their rounds. There is a popular childrens rhyme which describes the arrival of the befana, a kind witch who arrives on the night before the epiphany as legend has it. The history, traditions and splendor of the feast of the. Each watercolor illustration is entirely handdone, every brush stroke robust and purposeful. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. A reclusive old woman named befana sweeps and bakes incessantly, and is heard singing lullabies with no one to love and care for.
Here is the second one is by contessa lara, in italian. Italian children anxiously await the arrival of befana, the christmas witch who brings them gifts during the celebration of the epiphany, twelve days after christmas. On the other side were the many folk and pagan traditions connected to the new year, and. Then she has second thoughts and goes to find the magi so she too can see the child. Nicholas or santa claus a popular belief is that her name derives from the feast of epiphany italian. The elderly, witch like woman flies above italy on a broomstick to give gifts to the children on epiphany day. In the early days of the church, the nativity and the epiphany were celebrated together on the 6th day of january. What we nowadays call the befana is an image coming from immemorial layers of cultures and symbols. Together, text and pictures capture the essence of that strange night when three royally dressed men invite befana to join their star led search for the christ child, and she stubbornly. My bella vita travel, llc is owned by cherrye moore, a native texan who has spent the last decade traveling to and living in southern italy.
My roman friend, francesca, explained to me, on the night before january 6, the befana flies over the rooftops of rome on her broom, and brings gifts to the good children or coal for the bad ones. Its a story that captures the true spirit of the holidays. In fact, epiphany is a much older celebration than christmas. They tell her about the child they are seeking and offer to take her with them. See more ideas about christmas in italy, italian christmas traditions and epiphany.
A festivity dear to children and adults, it has ancient origins and a fantastic background story. Every culture has its own traditions and legends centered around the holiday season. According to legend, befana is an old witch who flies through the night of january 5th on her broom. She holds a special place in the heart of each italian child and now for the first time ever, your. In italian folklore, befana pronounced is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout italy on epiphany eve the night of january 5 in a similar way to st.
Our carefully selected books, dvds, cds, educational toys, and more, guarantee a friendly introduction to the language and culture of italy. Oct 11, 2014 why do italian children hang up a stocking on the eve of the epiphany. In many ways, the story of befana reminds me of the biblical story of mary and martha lazarus sisters. Painting by james lewicki, from the golden book of christmas tales 1956. Befana noticed the star was growing bigger and brighter, and so her regret of not joining the three travelers grew. This seems like a suitable way to open my giftof posts for 2020 which will continue to be few and far between. In italian folklore, befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout italy on epiphany eve the night of january 5 in a similar way to st. Although she followed the same star, she was unable to find the manger before the wise men did on january 6, the epiphany. Although she followed the same star, she was unable to find the manger before the. She grew up in an italian american family and each year during the holidays, after the music stopped and the presents were put away, kates family had one more tradition to celebrate.
In italy, the epiphany marks the official end of the christmas season, commemorating. In fact, befanas name is the greek word epifania or epiphany, and is significant because the religious. It is 32 pages long, hardbound, and includes a dust jacket. Italian children leave a snack for her and hang their stocking before going to bed, hoping to find it filled come morning.
The name befana is derived from the word epifania, the italian name for the religious festival of the epiphany. Why do italian children hang up a stocking on the eve of the epiphany. The befana market, a beloved roman tradition, is imperiled. An old tale handed down orally is bound to have many variations. One night she receives a visit from three wisemen who are following a magical star which they say will lead them to the newly born christ child. My 3yearold is enthralled with depaolas book, as am i. A benign old witch, she visits on a broomstick, bringing gifts to children in her sack carbone or garlic to those who have been naughty, and caramelle or fruit to those who have been good, or a little of both. Together, text and pictures capture the essence of that strange night when three royally dressed men invite befana to join their starled search for the christ child, and she stubbornly declines. Jan 05, 2009 my bella vita travel, llc is owned by cherrye moore, a native texan who has spent the last decade traveling to and living in southern italy. Have a sample epiphany star prepared, cut paper, sharpen pencils. On 05012012 28112017 by sharingmyitaly in culture and traditions, my memories, story book. Rich, rolled sugar cookies spiked with a bit of anisette, they are superb with a cup of hot chocolate. They follow that star and repeat the sounding joy to all the world. See more ideas about italian christmas, italian christmas traditions and christmas in.
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