A POSTCARD FROM LA BEFANA

January 6- Ephiphany on the Christian calendar where Christians of Eastern Orthodox, Russian Orthodox and others celebrate Christmas. In my husband's home country- Italy, there is the legend of La Befana. The story goes that when the Magi- the three wisemen were lost they stopped at an old lady's house asking for directions to find the Christ Child. She was busy so did not go with them but then regretted her decision and forever after went searching for Jesus by visiting houses with children looking for him. Children in Italy put a stocking for La Befana by the fireplace or the door.She visits January 5 the night before Ephiphany. If they have been bad they get a lump of coal but if good some candies and other treats and presents! When our children were little, a local Italian banquet hall- Cassino Place- would have an annual Befana dinner/dance. It was fun to take the girls as well as my mother-in-law as it was another celebration for them. Of course I do not know where La Befana lives now and do not have a real postcard from her but I am certain she has probably made some "bambini" very happy today!