Read on Twitter
THREAD
1/
Tonight is another magical night for Italian children: it's #Epiphany eve, the night when an old lady called 'Befana' brings them gifts & sweets. They put stockings up by the fireplace for Befana to fill.
#Epifania #Befana #LaBefanaVienDiNotte #Italy
1/
Tonight is another magical night for Italian children: it's #Epiphany eve, the night when an old lady called 'Befana' brings them gifts & sweets. They put stockings up by the fireplace for Befana to fill.
#Epifania #Befana #LaBefanaVienDiNotte #Italy
2/
Epiphany is a Christian feast day, sometimes called Three Kings' Day, and in some traditions celebrated as Little Christmas. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates principally the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child.
Epiphany is a Christian feast day, sometimes called Three Kings' Day, and in some traditions celebrated as Little Christmas. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates principally the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child.
3/
In #Italy, Epiphany is a national holiday associated with the figure of the Befana. She delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve in a similar way to St. Nicholas or Santa Claus. Gifts and sweets for good kids, coal for bad ones (which is actually sweet coal made of sugar)
In #Italy, Epiphany is a national holiday associated with the figure of the Befana. She delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve in a similar way to St. Nicholas or Santa Claus. Gifts and sweets for good kids, coal for bad ones (which is actually sweet coal made of sugar)
4/
Who's the #Befana?
One legend says that she was approached by the Three Kings a few days before the birth of Jesus, asking for directions. She couldn't help them, but provided shelter for a night. She then declined the offer to join them on the journey towards baby Jesus.
Who's the #Befana?
One legend says that she was approached by the Three Kings a few days before the birth of Jesus, asking for directions. She couldn't help them, but provided shelter for a night. She then declined the offer to join them on the journey towards baby Jesus.
5/
Later, La Befana had a change of heart, and tried to search out the magi and Jesus. She wasn't able to find them, so to this day, La Befana is still searching for the little baby, and along the way, she leave presents to every child.
Later, La Befana had a change of heart, and tried to search out the magi and Jesus. She wasn't able to find them, so to this day, La Befana is still searching for the little baby, and along the way, she leave presents to every child.
6/
Another Christian legend tells that Befana was an ordinary woman with a beloved son. Sadly, her child died, and her resulting grief maddened her. Upon hearing news of Jesus being born, she set out to see him, delusional that he was her son.
Another Christian legend tells that Befana was an ordinary woman with a beloved son. Sadly, her child died, and her resulting grief maddened her. Upon hearing news of Jesus being born, she set out to see him, delusional that he was her son.
7/
She eventually met Jesus and presented him with gifts to make him happy. The infant Jesus was delighted, and he gave La Befana a gift in return: she would be the mother of every child in Italy.
She eventually met Jesus and presented him with gifts to make him happy. The infant Jesus was delighted, and he gave La Befana a gift in return: she would be the mother of every child in Italy.
8/
Popular tradition tells that if one sees La #Befana one will receive a thump from her broomstick, as she doesn't wish to be seen. This aspect of the tradition may be designed to keep children in their beds (naughty Italian parents)
Popular tradition tells that if one sees La #Befana one will receive a thump from her broomstick, as she doesn't wish to be seen. This aspect of the tradition may be designed to keep children in their beds (naughty Italian parents)
9/
The #Befana is celebrated throughout all of #Italy and has become a national icon.
In normal times, many Italian cities usually host big festivals, markets and colorful celebrations.
#Epiphany #Epifania #Italia
The #Befana is celebrated throughout all of #Italy and has become a national icon.
In normal times, many Italian cities usually host big festivals, markets and colorful celebrations.
#Epiphany #Epifania #Italia
10/
What do I remember about #Epiphany as a child? It was magical, almost as Christmas. I of course received my good share of coal, and let me tell you, yes, it was made of sugar, but it was so hard it could break your teeth!
#SweetCoal #Epifania #Italy
What do I remember about #Epiphany as a child? It was magical, almost as Christmas. I of course received my good share of coal, and let me tell you, yes, it was made of sugar, but it was so hard it could break your teeth!
#SweetCoal #Epifania #Italy
