Today Italian children will hope to have had a visit, during the night, from the good witch, La Befana, whose name is a corruption of Epifania. The legend is explained in detail here.
I am rather attached to my Befana puppet in the top picture, although she lost a finger during the move to Italy and is getting on a bit now. She was made by a Sicilian artist and was given to me by friend Giancarlo during my first Christmas visit to Sicily. I bought the Befana in the second photo yesterday, simply because she looks as if she might cheer me up [for I will need cheering up after tomorrow as I always get really sad when it's time to take the Christmas decorations down].
Well, Irma and family are coming to dinner tonight so I'd better get cooking! I hope you all have a good day, whether you celebrate this festival or not.
6 comments:
Taking the decorations down always makes me sad, too. Putting them up is fun, all except for the lights and our faux tree.
Today is 3 Kings day in Germany. The church has some kids dress up like the 3 kings and a few other folks. They go around and tell a story and collect money. Unfortunately I was out when they came by. I know they were here because they chalk the initials of the 3 Kings and the date on the top of the front door.
In Germany they a witch that is similar. A small witch that hangs in the kitchen. I think it's for good luck. We don't have one or I'd post a picture.
Interesting stuff...I had never heard of this before. We had the mass for the epiphany today and sang lots of carols, which seemed completely out of place in this post-holiday season, and only served to add to my general January malaise.
Loved these my Mom always had one up not only for the Holiday but in out kitchen always... ~M
I don't like taking down the decorations either, so I leave them up! I always threaten to leave them up until Easter, but that's never happened. Eventually, even I will get tired of them. They kind of help to brighten up the cold, dark winter.
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