I bet you thought I was going to celebrate the Epiphany, didn't you?

Well, I am, in a way. The tradition of Befana is rooted in both the pagan celebration of Saturnalia as well as the Christian observance of the Epiphany. Many believe that references from Saturnalia are the basis of the Befana character, but the legend as it is remembered today is purely a Christian-based celebration.

The legend of Befana begins on Twelfth Night, (yesterday) where the three Magi who were on the way to visit the newborn Jesus stopped at Befana's home to ask the way. She was unable to provide them with directions but invited them to stay and rest before they continued on their journey. As they set out to meet their Redeemer, the Magi invited Befana to join them in bringing their gifts to the newborn-king. Befana refused saying she had too much housework to do. The Magi left Befana, who was sweeping, cleaning up her household.

Later, Befana regrets not having joined the Magi, collects the finest gifts she can, and races off in the direction the Magi went, in the hopes of catching up with them and locating the baby Jesus. However, Befana never does catch up with them. Now Befana rides the night sky atop her broom, looking for Jesus, and bringing good presents to children who have been good, and coal and garlic and onions to children who have been bad.

The celebration of what appears to be a classical witch in Befana is highly popular among Italians who hold great festivals on Epiphany in their country with people dressed in costume and carrying dolls of witches in a tradition that has crept into the basis of Santa Claus folklore. Santa isn't even unique in the tradition of leaving out snacks for his consumption. The Italians, however, ditch the milk and cookies for plates of sausage and local vegetables served with wine.



Italian wine! You can't celebrate an Italian tradition without Italian wine. Note, this bottle is empty, not because I had a lot of people with which to share the wine, but because I was really thirsty.



That's a lot of sausage. Like whoa. Also, the flash gave the wine this radioactive yellow color. It did not look like that in the bottle or in the glass but it might look like that coming out.