10. La Befana
For our last tradition we go to Italy where an old woman delivers Christmas gifts to children on Epiphany Eve which is the night of January the 5th. La Befana is her name and she has a typical witch like appearance: bushy hair (black or white depending on who you ask), a big red nose, she is slightly hunched and dressed in a raggedy jacket with colourful patches. Her story starts on the birthday of baby Jesus. Befana has spent her day as she always does, cleaning and sweeping and then one day the three wise men, the Magi, come to her door looking for that baby that everyone is on about. Befana turns to them and says sorry guys but Im pretty busy here and I have no time to look for babies. The three men go away. Then she notices a big sparkly star in the sky and thinks: oh actually I kinda want to see this baby now I'm sure the star will get me there. She hurries to catch up with the men who she rudely rejected. She brings candy with her and some fruit and a broom to help the mother with her chores and she begins her search. Poor Befana searches and searches but never finds the men or the baby. Befana is still out there somewhere searching to this day. On the Eve of Epiphany she comes to a house where she knows a child lives and leaves a gift (but youll get onions or garlic or coal in your stocking if youre naughty). Even though she cant find Jesus she knows Jesus can be found in the heart of every child. Aw thanks B. Did we miss any of the world's strangest Christmas traditions? Share your thoughts below...