I was in Rome at Christmastime a couple of years ago, and was surprised to see so many women dressed up as witches, and toy witches for sale. It was clearly an element of their Xmas celebration, much like we have Xmas elves in North America.
Does anyone know where this comes from? It seems such a strange association.
2007-01-30 06:55:28 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
According to a legend, there was a witch by the name of Befana who was invited by the Wise Men to accompany them on their journey to present gifts to the Christ Child. She was unable to join them, but said she'd catch up with them later and, of course, never did.
So she now presents gifts to children while still looking for the Child Jesus.
2007-01-30 08:14:39 · answer #1 · answered by Chrispy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
La Befana is a witch. She is NOT part of the Catholic religion or Christianity.
Here is the legend: La B. was in her home cleaning house. Three wise men in search of Christ passed by her home, asking where can they find the Baby Jesus. She said she'd like to go with them, however she needed to clean her house and so she started sweeping. When she was done, the wisemen were gone. So, in a sense she is cursed looking for the Christ but never finding him.
No one does worship her unless you are a pagan.
2007-01-30 07:45:27 · answer #2 · answered by Born Valentine's Day 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually she's directly related to CHRISTianity in Italian legend. Her name is similar to the word for epiphany and highlights a tale of someone essentially repenting.
Check it out at Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Befana
The Wikipedia article outlines both the pre-Christianity likely source of the legend, as well as its adaptation to Christian times.
2007-01-30 07:05:18 · answer #3 · answered by Colin M 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well I do know that Christmas came from the wiccan holliday yule or winter solstice. how intresting that they celibrate it that way in rome.
2007-01-30 07:45:59 · answer #4 · answered by eightieschick70 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uh, I know you're not trying to associate them with CHRISTianity?
She's called La Befana...and had nothing to do with Christianity. This witch divined Christ being born, supposedly, but had nothing to do with it.
2007-01-30 07:01:45 · answer #5 · answered by incognitas8 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Not if you understand the pagan origins of the festival...
2007-01-30 07:05:29 · answer #6 · answered by KC 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋