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icymist

(15,888 posts)
Tue Dec 17, 2013, 09:16 PM Dec 2013

The Legend of La Befana:

In Italy, the legend of La Befana is one that is popularly told around the time of the Epiphany. What does a Catholic holiday have to do with modern Paganism? Well, La Befana happens to be a witch.

According to folklore, on the night before the feast of the Epiphany in early January, Befana flies around on her broom, delivering gifts. Much like Santa Claus, she leaves candy, fruit, or small gifts in the stockings of children who are well-behaved throughout the year. On the other hand, if a child is naughty, he or she can expect to find a lump of coal left behind by La Befana.

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/yuletraditions/p/La-Befana.htm

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