La Befana is a big party for all the Italian children and it is celebrated on the day of Epiphany, a religious holiday which occurs on January 6 and commemorates the visit of the three kings to baby Jesus.
The Three kings- Melchior, Balthasar and Caspar - departed from different countries, maybe Nubia, Godolia and Tharsis, to bring their gifts to Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
They met near Jerusalem, and although they spoke different languages, they understood eachother and they realized to have the same goal so they continued the journey together.
Once arrived at the cave they offered their gifts to Jesus, they worshiped him and they returned to their countries.
Now what has La Befana got to do with the Three Kings ?
When the Three Kings departed to bring their gifts to Jesus, they crossed many countries led by a star and in every place they passed, people flocked to meet them and join them. There was only one old woman who at first wanted to go, but at the last minute changed her mind and refused to follow them.
The Three kings- Melchior, Balthasar and Caspar - departed from different countries, maybe Nubia, Godolia and Tharsis, to bring their gifts to Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
They met near Jerusalem, and although they spoke different languages, they understood eachother and they realized to have the same goal so they continued the journey together.
Once arrived at the cave they offered their gifts to Jesus, they worshiped him and they returned to their countries.
Now what has La Befana got to do with the Three Kings ?
When the Three Kings departed to bring their gifts to Jesus, they crossed many countries led by a star and in every place they passed, people flocked to meet them and join them. There was only one old woman who at first wanted to go, but at the last minute changed her mind and refused to follow them.
The next day she was sorry and tried to reach the Kings, but they were already too far away. For this reason, the old woman did not get to see the Baby Jesus. Since then she, during the night between the 5th and the 6th of January, is flying on a broom with a sack on her back - going from house to house to bring the gifts and candy that she did not give to Jesus to the children.