European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 29, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse It a l y Karen la Gioia reads the Story of la Befana to her second Grade class. Is Dot Camey old witch1 is italian answer to Santa Glauss a of Flat Catey one of the pupils tells a secret Story to her teacher Karen la Gioia. Sysu Palumbo Mediterranean Bureau she is definitely not Jolly and few children want to Wake up to catch her in their living rooms but la Befana is still As popular with italians As Santa is with americans. There Are several versions of la Befana Story though All agree she is an old woman of simple Means who travels around Italy the eve of Jan. 6 delivering gifts. One of the More popular versions tells How three Kings stopped and asked la Befana for directions to Bethlehem. They invited her to go with them but she declined saying she was too Busy cleaning. She changed her mind and tried to catch up to the Wise men but it was too late. From that Day on la Befana delivers gifts to All children because she does t know which one might be the child King. Befana is an old Witch who comes on Jan. 6," 7year old Rita Anderson explained to her american classmates. Last year she gave me some Candy Coal and Blue socks. I still have the socks but i ate the children throughout Italy recognize la Befana by her hooded coat and Broom. One Story says she brought the Broom along to clean the stable because the baby s Mother would be too tired to do it herself. La Befana also carried a pot of Coal to keep the cookies and treats she baked warm. Italians Tell children who misbehave that la Befana May leave Coal instead of Candy actually we make up two socks said Ida Canfora who admits that except for her younger age children often mistake her for la Befana. Canfora wears a hooded coat and uses a Broom to clean the stall where she Sells ornaments. First we let them find the stocking stuffed with Coal and then we give them the other one. It would break their hearts to get just the no one has any plausible explanation for How la Befana carries All of her treasures on one Little Broom but there Are several for How she gets into the House. Some say she does a Santa and goes Down the Chimney. Karen la Gioia a teacher at the Naples elementary school said she was told that at Midnight on the 5th the Walls of the House turned into Ricotta cheese. Over the years italians have also come to embrace Many american traditions such As Santa and Christmas Trees. Canfora said most families give their children the less expensive presents at Christmas just so there is something under the tree. The real gifts Are Given by la Befana. My Cousin said she stayed awake once to see Befana said 8-year-old Nana Rauso. She told me Befana spanked her with the Broom. She still got Candy december 29, 1994 stripes Magazine
