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Another Twelfthnight custom is the singing of the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" as a "memory and forfeit" game; whoever forgets one of the gifts is out. Click here for the real lyrics to and information about this song.
Children from Spanish cultures go to bed on this night in anticipation of a visit from the Three Kings (the Magi, or Wise Men). They get snacks for the Kings' camels (hay or grass) which some leave in boxes underneath their beds, and others leave in their shoes near the fireplace. They awaken to find that the snacks are gone and presents are left in their place.
Italian children anticipate a visit from La Befana, an old woman who was invited by the Magi to accompany them in their search for the newborn King. The old woman, whose name comes from the Italian word for Epiphany ("Epifania"), was too busy sweeping her house at the time, but soon realized her error and went out after the Magi, who were far, far ahead of her. She continues her search to this day, riding her broomstick all over the world in search of Jesus. She visits the children of each house and leaves toys and candy for the good ones, and lumps of coal for the bad ones. Children leave out a glass of wine and an orange to sustain her on her way. A children's song about the old woman:
Children from Spanish cultures go to bed on this night in anticipation of a visit from the Three Kings (the Magi, or Wise Men). They get snacks for the Kings' camels (hay or grass) which some leave in boxes underneath their beds, and others leave in their shoes near the fireplace. They awaken to find that the snacks are gone and presents are left in their place.
La Befana vien di notte,
con le scarpe tutte rotte col cappello alla romana viva, viva, la Befana! |
La Befana comes at night
In tattered shoes Dressed in the Roman style Long live la Befana! |
Consider making a Befana "Apple Doll" with your children. She should be dressed in a dress covered by an apron and shawl, with a scarf on her head, and old, broken shoes on her feet. She should have a broom and a sack of candies and coal.
A book English-speaking Italians and Italian Americans might want to read to their children is Tomie De Paola's "The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story" (link is offsite and will open in a new browser window).
A book English-speaking Italians and Italian Americans might want to read to their children is Tomie De Paola's "The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story" (link is offsite and will open in a new browser window).
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