According to the History of Christmas:
In Italy the children wait until Epiphany, January 6, for their
presents. According to tradition, the presents are delivered by a kind ugly
witch called Befana on a broomstick. It was said that she was told by the three
kings that the baby Jesus was born, she was busy and delayed visiting the baby.
She missed the Star lost her way and has been flying around ever since, leaving presents at every house with children in case he is there. She slides down chimneys, and fills stockings and shoes with good things for good children and it is said leaves coal for children who are not so good.
She missed the Star lost her way and has been flying around ever since, leaving presents at every house with children in case he is there. She slides down chimneys, and fills stockings and shoes with good things for good children and it is said leaves coal for children who are not so good.
Okay, first
can you imagine Abby waiting until Jan 6th to open her gifts? But more importantly
what woman would not only miss the Star but then spend a million years flying
around not stopping to ask for directions?
I will end this with a wish that you all have a Merry Christmas Eve my friends. May you not finish the wine before you finish putting the toys together and gifts under the tree!
Being Italian and knew this story, but you are so right no woman would fly around for a million years and not ask for directions! Merry Christmas Eve to you and your family, Kerri :)
ReplyDeleteAnd to you Janine!
DeleteHaha, this post is so cool! You totally nailed that thing with the witch!
DeleteMerry Christmas, dear Kerri, to you and your loved ones! xo
No pickle?!?! You mean the instructions on our pickle lied to us!?!? :). Actually, it was my husband's German grandparents who told us, but the pickle we bought backed them up.
ReplyDeleteThe ugly witch story is hilarious. Perhaps Italian women don't stop either?
Merry Christmas!