Feast of the Epiphany,January 4

 

Did you know that while on the way to find the Christ child, the Magi stopped for directions? The Italians think so. The story is that the Magi stopped at LaBefana's house and asked her where they might find the baby Jesus. She didn't know, but asked the Magi to spend the night, which they did. The Magi asked her if she wanted to journey with them but she declined - she had housework to do (she was considered a most excellent housekeeper).

A while later she regretted her decision and struck out to find the Christ child on her own. And her search continues to this very day...

On the night of January 5th (the night before the Epiphany) she flies around on a broom stick, drops down chimneys, and leaves gifts for kids - candy for the good ones, coal for the bad. OK, not really coal - rock candy that is darkened with caramel coloring. She also (and I like this idea) sweeps the floors.

As a reward, kids leave out a glass of wine for her. Which explains why she's smiling...