Thus far in our Advent, it’s been quite misogynistic. Today’s chapter seeks to add a little estrogen to this Madman’s countdown to Chirstmas. We head to Italy for today’s version of Santa. Though our story actually takes place in Israel on the cusp of the very first Christmas.
Our main character is known as La Befana. And she’s got 2 origin stories. One sweet and one rather tragic.
In the happier tale, La Befana is an old lady who one night while sweeping her house is approached by the three Wise Men for directions to the Christ child. She points them in the right direction and takes up sweeping again; but not before forgoing the chance to visit Baby Jesus with the Magi. Later on, La Befana changes her mind and with broom in hand, she heads out to find the Christ child. But she is unable to find the babe. So La Befana wanders the world in search of Jesus while leaving good little children toys and fruit. (The brats get coal, garlic or possibly onions.)
Now for the tragic version. La Befana is a beautiful young woman with a young son whom she loves very much. One day, the child up and dies causing La Befana to become maddened with grief. La Befana grows old just constantly sweeping as the act reminds her of rocking her child to sleep.
On the night of the first Noel, La Befana hears of the birth of the Savior. In a delusional state, La Befana believes that the baby is her missing child. So, La Befana goes to the manger, but Jesus and his family have moved on. La Befana later finds Jesus as an infant and realizes that it’s really the son of God instead of her child. Jesus takes pity on her and bestows a blessing of being the godmother of all.
Why La Befana decided to relocate to Italy for her gift giving is unclear. In fact, the legend of La Befana is a relatively new tradition, having only really been universally adopted by the boot shaped nation around the turn of the 20th Century. Some do speculate that La Befana is based on ancient Roman legend. Yet why it took almost 2000 years to morph into a story about an old woman is anyone’s guess. But what I do know is that it’s best not to try to stay up to watch her dropping off your gifts. Sneaky little Italians will get a swift bump on the noggin with her broom.
For today’s cookie, I am sharing with you a sugar cookie recipe with a twist. Made with ricotta cheese and lemon, this classic from Betty Crocker offers up 2 traditional tastes of Italy. Enjoy!
