The legend of Befana
The legend of Befana is an Italian folk tradition associated with Three Kings Day, on January 6th. She is an old lady who flies on her magic broom delivering gifts to good children and coal or sweet coal to naughty ones. The story has Christian roots and tells that Befana met the Three Wise Men on their way to Belém, who got lost on the road and the elderly woman helped him, but did not want to accompany them. She felt guilty for not going with them, and decided to bring a gift to Jesus, but she arrived too late. Since then, she visits the homes of all children between January 5th and 6th in search of Baby Jesus. The tradition includes children hanging up stockings to receive gifts and is celebrated with parades and parties in Italy.
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