BEFANA Meaning and
Definition
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Befana is a noun that refers to an Italian folklore figure associated with the celebration of Epiphany on January 6th. The word originates from the Italian name for Epiphany, "Epifania." Befana is often described as a witch or an old woman with a wrinkled face and a hooked nose, wearing tattered clothes and carrying a broomstick.
In Italian folklore, Befana is believed to visit children's homes on the night of January 5th to deliver gifts and treats to well-behaved children, similar to the tradition of Santa Claus. Legend has it that Befana was among the three wise men who were supposed to follow the star to find baby Jesus but got delayed while preparing gifts. To this day, she continues her quest to find the baby Jesus, and every year, she visits children's homes to leave small presents and sweets, filling stockings or shoes left out for her.
The concept of Befana is deeply rooted in Italian culture, and her legend is passed down through generations. On the night of Epiphany, children often leave out a glass of wine and a plate of food for Befana to enjoy during her visit. The celebration of Befana is not only a time for gift-giving but also represents the end of the Christmas season in Italy.
In summary, Befana is a folklore figure in Italian tradition associated with Epiphany, believed to visit children on January 5th to deliver small gifts and sweets.
Common Misspellings for BEFANA
- befania
- befna
- befa l
- hefana
- bwfana
- bsfana
- bdfana
- b4fana
- b3fana
- becana
- befzna
- befsna
- befwna
- befqna
- befaba
- befama
- befaja
- befaha
- befanz
- befans
Etymology of BEFANA
The word "Befana" has its origins in Italian folklore and is associated with an old tradition celebrated on the eve of the Epiphany, January 5th. The etymology of the word "Befana" is believed to come from the Italian dialectal word "Befano", which is derived from the Greek word "epifania" (ἐπιφάνεια), meaning "manifestation" or "appearance".
The Befana is often described as an old woman who visits children during the night, filling their stockings with candies and small gifts or leaving lumps of coal if they have been naughty. She is depicted riding on a broomstick and enters through the chimney, similar to the folklore character of Santa Claus.
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