January 6th, The Story of the Epiphany and La Befana
January 6th, The Story of the Epiphany and La Befana. Our family always celebrates the holidays in a big way, especially Christmas! There is something wonderful and magical about maintaining traditions. In our family, the Christmas season begins on Christmas Eve and ends on January 6th!
The Feast of the Epiphany is a day when Christians around the world celebrate a significant event. The day the Three Kings visited baby Jesus in the manger.
The nativity scene, or the presepio, we enjoy setting up every year.
The Story behind January 6th and The Epiphany & La Bifana
In Italy, January 6th is a national holiday, where shops and schools are closed. It’s also their main day of gift-giving, and when children get to open their gifts, which have been placed under the tree or inside their stockings, similar to our Santa Claus, only they have an old woman called La Befana.
It’s a joyful day, followed by a feast of food served for the entire family and friends to enjoy.
The legendary story of the Befana, known as La Vecchia, is about the old woman Befana who the Three Kings asked to come along with them in search to find the Child King, born in Bethlehem.
She refused, but then later decided to go out in search of the Three Kings and this baby boy, the son of God they talked about.
She went looking for days with her broom, taking some bread along with her. Every time she saw a baby boy, she would break off a piece of her bread and give it to the child, thinking that he might be the Child King who would recognize her.
Today, every year on the Feast of Epiphany, or Three Kings, the children of Italy eagerly await the arrival of “la vecchia,” who still leaves each child a small gift.
In Italy, traditionally, the family is at the heart of Italian Christmas – Natale. Not packages and tinsel. The Italian Christmas holiday is more about spending time and sharing a meal than exchanging presents.
Other Traditions for January 6th
There are so many other customs and traditions around the world, and how they celebrate January 6th, the story of the Epiphany, and you can enjoy reading about them here, Epiphany, the Feast of the Three Kings.
Other Traditions Includes: gift giving (often by the Magi on this day), house blessings, processions, and chalking of the doors with ” 20+C+M+B+26 for blessing.
This is a doll version of The Old Woman La Befana, La Vecchia – we enjoy taking her out, and telling everyone the story of La Befana every Christmas!
We so enjoy posting this story every year and hope you enjoy it too!
To all our family and friends here, in Italy, and around the world, Buona Festa!
Enjoy these recipes for Edible Gifts and Treats!
- S’mores Dark Chocolate Bark
- Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip
- Peppermint Bark and Dark Chocolate Almond Kisses
- Mint Chocolate Chip Zucchini Brownies
- Chocolate Dipped Apricots
Related Posts:
Welcome! From Anna and Liz
We believe the kitchen is the center and the heart of the home. It is where we cook, eat, and unwind with family and friends, creating memorable traditions! Read more…
FREE EMAIL BONUS
Weeknight Dinners Made Easy
Tips & recipes for delicious meals . . . no matter your skill level!
FREE EMAIL BONUS
Weeknight Dinners Made Easy
Tips & recipes for delicious meals . . . no matter your skill level!
Buona Festa a tutti, Anna and Liz!
Thank you Roz!! Hope it was a good one!
Buona Festa! Enjoy this special day with your family and friends.
Thank you Karen!!
I liked reading about this tradition again this year!
I also like the story behind the return of the light which I wrote about at the end of December recently.
Wishing you both a wonderful month of January!
Thank you Sandra. I too enjoyed your story behind the return of light. Thanks again. And looking forward to 2018!!
Thank you Roz! We hope to keep these traditions going from generation to generation and believe in the 12 days of Christmas!! Love Anna and Liz
I am always so happy in my heart and soul when I learn of someone else who believes in the true 12 days of Christmas from 12-25 until January 6th and Epiphany. I love how you celebrate and the explanation of La Befana in Italy. What a wonderful tradition!
I really liked reading about your traditions at Christmas time and the legendary story of the Befana, known as "La Vecchia".
Wishing you both a wonderful and creative New Year!
Thank you Sandra, as we wish the very same blessed New Year to you!
Long ago during our travels to Germany, we found out it's a tradition in Germany as well but the name of this doll, old woman is called something else. Have a great weekend!
I loved reading about this Italian tradition and La Vecchia, which I had not heard before. Love the doll version 🙂 xo
Che bel presepio! Very Italian. I hope the Befana was good to you. I love all your posts. My son and daughter in law in Australia have used a lot of your recipes as well. Your famous even down under.
Thank you Gemmagirl! When we receive comments like yours, it keeps us motivated to keep posting recipes! Thanks again and Buona Festa!!
I loved this story and find these traditions fascinating! How beautiful! And I love your new photo – you two are lovely! Happy New Year and have a blessed Epiphany.
Thank you Tricia!! Happy New Year to you too! xxoo
Great post. Happy New Year!
Thank you Velva! So nice to see you again! Happy New Year to you and your family as well!
xxoo