To encourage children to be well-behaved and to honor the Christ child that Catholicism reveres in children are reasons why La Befana gives presents on the night of January 5th, the feast of the Epiphany, according to Italian holiday traditions.
La Befana
La Befana.
yes she is called la befana
they both give presents to kids
Italy
La Befana is a custom in Italy.
she gives sweets to good girls and boys and lumps of coal for the bad girls and boys
No, La Befana does not put presents for children under Christmas trees in Italy. The legendary holiday figure instead puts punishments (coal, garlic, onion) for bad behavior and rewards (candy, toys) for good behavior inside children's socks put out on the night of January 5th, the feast of the Epiphany.
la befana
Italy
In Italy, Christmas presents are traditionally brought by a witch named La Befana. According to folklore, she delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5th, known as Epiphany Eve. La Befana is said to ride on her broomstick, filling stockings with sweets for good children and coal for those who misbehave. This custom adds a unique twist to the holiday gift-giving tradition in Italy.
la Befana