Vick
01-05-2004, 04:06 PM
The three Kings stopped at La Befana’s house on their way to Bethlehem. After dining with her, they invited her to follow them in their search for the Christ child. She said no since she needed to wash and clean.
After a while she changed her mind, and gathered up some items from her home to give to the Christ child. Alas, she wasn’t able to find the three Kings nor the baby Christ child. She’s been searching ever since. So every January 5th and the morning of January 6th, children all over Italy find their stockings filled with sweet curly candy for being very good or a dark piece of coal if they have been bad.
Long Version
http://www.floria-publications.com/italy/l.../la_befana.html (http://www.floria-publications.com/italy/life_and_customs/la_befana.html)
After a while she changed her mind, and gathered up some items from her home to give to the Christ child. Alas, she wasn’t able to find the three Kings nor the baby Christ child. She’s been searching ever since. So every January 5th and the morning of January 6th, children all over Italy find their stockings filled with sweet curly candy for being very good or a dark piece of coal if they have been bad.
Long Version
http://www.floria-publications.com/italy/l.../la_befana.html (http://www.floria-publications.com/italy/life_and_customs/la_befana.html)