Who knew there was a Christmas witch roaming the snowy rooftops, sprinkling holiday magick, while most witches weave their spells around the warmth of Yule—reminding us that even in the world of the mystical, unexpected surprises await! As the winter solstice draws near, the magick of the holiday season unfolds in the hearts of many, particularly in Italy, where a beloved figure reigns: La Befana, the Christmas witch. With her mystical charm and nurturing spirit, La Befana embodies the essence of generosity and warmth. Join me as we delve into the captivating tale of this enchanting witch.
Who is La Befana?
La Befana is a figure steeped in folklore and mystery, originating from ancient Roman traditions. Often portrayed as a kind old woman who rides her broomstick through the night sky, she is a guardian of the holiday spirit. In the folklore of Italy, La Befana arrives on the eve of the Epiphany, January 5th, delivering gifts to well-behaved children and coal to those who have strayed from the path of kindness. Carrying a sack filled with toys and treats, she traverses the world, bridging the realms of the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Her origins can be traced back to various legends, one of which speaks of a young woman who was once a beautiful mother. It is said that she lost her child, a heart-wrenching tragedy that plunged her into deep sorrow. In her grief, she devoted her life to the care of others' children, becoming a symbol of maternal love and compassion. I do believe this to be a part of La Befana's story and why she ended up being seen as a witch who lived alone in her cottage, watching the children play as she swept her porch. Some of these children were said to heckle her swapping sugar out for salt in her bowls, destroying her baked goods.
In a different telling of La Befana's story, the one I lean into most intertwines with the three wise men aka wise guys, I mean wise Guys sounds more like an Italian woman to me but that's neither here nor there haha. This version of her story shares that they showed up at her doorstep one day seeking her company and directions on their journey to find the newborn baby(Jesus) who was said to one day be a king and change the world as they knew it bringing light, love, and peace to humanity. She fed them some food as Italian women are known to do and sent them on their way, I mean who do these wise guys think they are anyway trying to trick her? Following a star to find a baby king. she wouldn't be fooled by these wise guys. She wished them well and sent them on their way. La Befanna refocuses herself on her household chores, like brewing up minestrone and sweeping her porch, and then goes to bed. Labefana is awoken in the night by a bright light shining through her widow, a star, could this be the star those wise guys were following? She eventually gets so curious she decides to join them, she and her donkey quickly get on the road to be a part of the search, with a bag full of food (because of course the mother giving birth would need to be fed) and her trusty broom by her side. As she searched she looked in widows of homes with children's shoes out front, however, she was unable to locate the baby king, this is when she had the thought to fill the shoes with the goodies she had brought along and in this way, she too could bring more hope and light into the world as this baby king was said to do. Being the Italian woman she was, she would not leave those little hecklers on her street sweet treats and instead left twigs and coal in their shoes. When the townspeople awoke they found their shoes filled with pastries and candy by doorsteps and stalkings by fireplaces filled with sweet treats bringing joy to the community. Realizing the importance of her quest, La Befana began a lifelong search for the christ child while sharing sweet treats with children. In this persistent search, she visits every home on Epiphany Eve, leaving gifts and candy for children, hoping that one of them might be the child she seeks.
Lets Go Rogue For a Moment
The retelling of the story surrounding baby Jesus is more complex than it appears at first glance. As someone who deeply engages with spiritual traditions, I can't settle for a superficial interpretation. I believe that Jesus, also known as Yeshua, may have been a figure of witchcraft himself. Yep, you got it sisters, I am stating I believe Jesus was a witch. Consider, for instance, the many attributes associated with him, raising the dead, healing the sick, along with many other miracles which I suspect are more accurately linked to Mary Magdalene—but I'll save that discussion for another blog and stay focused on what the search for the Christ child could have meant before it was likely morphed into a tale that fed the churches narrative.
First, we must understand that the term "Christ" means "anointed one," and to anoint signifies the acknowledgment of divinity within. While Christians often view divinity as an external presence, most witches believe it resides within us. Could it be that the search was, in fact, a quest for sovereignty? These questions linger in my heart and mind as I explore these ancient narratives.
Historical myths have frequently been manipulated to control and direct humanity, which emphasizes the importance of not only retelling these stories but also delving deeply into their potential original meanings. We must uncover the truths that existed before organized religion appropriated and altered them for their own advantage.
In future blogs, I will delve further into this topic, but for now, I want to highlight how historical narratives have evolved. Many variations have emerged, often used to oppress and disempower the feminine aspect of spirituality to exert control over the populace. As we revisit these stories, let’s remain mindful of the hidden truths that may be concealed in plain sight and strive to share empowering interpretations of myth.
The Significance of January 5th and 6th
La Befana's Night, celebrated on December 5th, holds deep significance as it marks the 12th day after the sun begins its ascent following the winter solstice, ushering in a new year filled with hope. This night features a thin veil, inviting us to connect with our inner selves as we reflect on the past year and the transformations we desire. In Italian tradition, children eagerly await La Befana’s arrival, embodying anticipation and joy, as they leave stockings and treats that symbolize our inherent need for nurturing and connection.
The celebration of Epiphany is rooted in the divine feminine, transcending the boundaries of Christianity and the narrative of baby Jesus. The Twelve Days of Christmas has ties to pre-Christian winter festivities, connecting to ancient goddess traditions celebrating the return of light. The winter solstice, occurring around December 21st, marks the moment the sun stands still for three days, symbolizing the birth of returning light on December 25th. This symbolism may explain why that date was chosen to represent Jesus’ birth, despite historical evidence suggesting he was likely born in spring or summer.
The 6th of January, known as Epiphany, is particularly significant to the feminine spirit, as it honors the goddess in her many forms. This transition from winter to light symbolizes the awakening of the divine feminine, reconnecting us to the cycles of nature and inviting us to embrace our intuition, creativity, and nurturing qualities. By exploring the rich tapestry of traditions surrounding this time, we can celebrate the archetypes of the Crone, Mother, and Maiden while reclaiming the essence of Epiphany as a moment of inspiration, enlightenment, and connection to the sacred feminine. Together, we honor our journeys and the legacies of our ancestors as we embrace the light and the power of womanhood.
Ways to Honor La Befana’s Night
Create a Festive Altar: Set up a sacred space adorned with symbols of La Befana – a broomstick, festive ornaments, and sweets. Add offerings such as dried fruits, candies, and perhaps a glass of wine or a slice of bread.
Leave Offerings for La Befana: In the tradition of gift-giving, consider leaving a small offering at your doorstep. Honey, biscuits, or apples are cherished by La Befana, reflecting the sweetness of the season and the connection to abundance.
Engage in Festive Baking: Embrace the holiday spirit by baking traditional treats, like ‘Befana’ cookies or ‘strufoli’ (Italian honey balls). As you bake, infuse your intentions into the dough, sharing the magic of La Befana with those you love.
Meditation and Reflection: Dedicate time to meditate, inviting La Befana’s nurturing spirit into your heart. Reflect upon your hopes and dreams for the upcoming year, seeking her guidance to manifest them into reality.
Searching for divinity within yourself begins with self-reflection and mindfulness; take time to connect with your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Engage in practices such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature to cultivate a deeper understanding of your inner self and the spiritual essence that resides within. Embrace compassion and self-acceptance, recognizing that acknowledging your own divinity empowers you to express your true potential and live authentically.
Celebrate with Community: Gather with loved ones to share stories and celebrate La Befana’s arrival. This can include decorating together, crafting homemade gifts, or hosting a festive meal that honors the tradition and magic of the witch.
Signs of La Befana’s Presence in the Modern World
As we traverse the paths of our lives, we may find ourselves drawn to the spirit of La Befana. Her presence can appear in the simplest joys – the laughter of children, the warmth of shared moments, or the comfort of traditions.
La Befana typically does not manifest in the same way as some deities within various spiritual practices, such as appearing in visions or as a guiding presence in rituals. Instead, she is more often celebrated as a cultural and folkloric figure with deep-rooted traditions rather than a goddess or deity who actively interacts with practitioners.
For witches and practitioners of Italian witchcraft (Stregoneria), La Befana holds symbolic significance. She embodies themes of generosity, nurturing, and the magick of everyday life, and her story serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for others during the holiday season. While some may invoke her spirit in rituals related to the Epiphany or engage in practices surrounding her folklore, it is generally more about honoring her legacy and the values she represents rather than expecting her to appear physically or communicate directly.
In this context, the focus is likely on celebrating her mythos—baking her traditional treats, sharing stories, or participating in community festivities—allowing practitioners to connect with the enchantment she embodies in a more communal and cultural sense.
Embracing New Traditions: A Streghe's Touch
As an Italian drawn to the vibrant practice of Stregoneria, the craft of Italian witchcraft, consider weaving a new tradition into your family's holiday celebrations. On the eve of La Befana, fill stockings not just with gifts, but with delightful sweet treats and homemade baked goods, infusing each item with your intentions for joy and abundance. Imagine the excitement in children’s eyes as they discover stockings filled with luscious cookies, candied fruits, and homemade pastries. This practice not only honors the spirit of La Befana but also deepens familial bonds and nurtures the magic of giving. By inviting this new ritual into your home, you create a unique connection to both the rich tapestry of Italian culture and the ancient wisdom of the craft, cultivating a legacy that celebrates love, generosity, and the enchanting rhythms of the year turning anew.
In Italy, the celebration of La Befana is a vibrant and cherished tradition that comes alive through colorful reenactments of her enchanting story. On the evening of January 5th, towns and villages throughout the country host lively festivals, complete with parades, theatrical performances, and processions that depict La Befana’s whimsical journey. Participants often dress in her trademark tattered clothing and pointy hats, embodying the spirit of this beloved Christmas Witch as they recreate her nightly flight on a broomstick, delivering gifts to children. The air buzzes with excitement as families gather, children wide-eyed with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the arrival of La Befana. These reenactments not only honor the folklore surrounding her, reminding the community of the importance of kindness and generosity, but also reinforce the deep cultural roots of Italian heritage, bringing together generations in a celebration filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of magic.
This celebration of La Befana highlights the complex relationship Italians and all of humanity have with the witch archetype—revered for her nurturing role as a gift-giver while still cloaked in an air of fear and mystery, embodying the duality of the witch as both a light and a figure from the shadows.
I wish you all a Merry Witchmas and Yuletide this holiday season!
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