The 6th January is public holiday in Italy. According to Christian tradition, on this day we celebrate the Epiphany or the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. The visit of the Magi to the Baby Jesus is also commemorated.
In Italian folklore, in the night of Epiphany Eve, the Befana visit children to bring them presents. Befana is an old woman with poor clothes who rides a broomstick in the air and carry a hamper full of gifts. The legend says that only children who behaved goodly receives candies and sweets, while those who were bad get only black coal.
The Befana is believed to be an housekeeper who hosted the Three Wise Man during their journey to Baby Jesus. Initially refusing to join them, she changed her mind later on but failed to find them again. From that day, every year she visited all the children hoping to find the Baby Jesus and give him her sweet presents.
Since the Epiphany is the last Feast in Christmas holiday, it's greatedfully celebrated in my family. Me and my brother keep on receive a stockings full of sweets surprises -though we can find sweet black coal- then we eat a fulfilling delicious meal and toast with spumante, sort of Italian champagne (it can be sweet or dry). The traditional desserts are Pandoro or Panettone, sweet yeast breads whose proofing process takes several days: the first a Veronese product shaped like a frustum with an 8 pointed-star section and served dusted with vanilla scented icing; sugar; the second is a symbol of Milan and contains candied orange, citron, and lemon zest, as well as raisins.
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| Already trying to steal from my brother... |
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| Lithuanian Befana brought us midaus nektaras! Ačiū!!! |
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