Italy is one of my favourite countries. Beauty and
harmony are the best features of the language, art and culture of this country.
That is why looking for articles on Italy and learning different things make me
happy.
Nowadays Christians are celebrating Christmas. Next
week we are going to celebrate the New Year. So, I have found an interesting
belief to share with you. It is called La Befana. La Befana is known mostly in
Italy. Befana is an old and ugly witch who delivers gifts and sweets to
children in Christmas just like Santa Claus. Do not be afraid of her as she is
a witch. Actually, she is a kind witch because it is believed that she cleans
the houses that she enters before leaving. She does not frighten children. However,
she gives coal, which is made of black sugar, to bad children. You know that
Santa Claus has reindeer. He flies with his sledge. Italian’s lovely witch, on
the other hand, flies on her stick and wears a black shawl. She enters the
houses through the chimneys like Santa Claus does.
There are some stories and legends about La Befana in
Italy. One of them tells that Befana got lost while she was following the wise
men in the Bible. She has been visiting children since she got lost. According to
another legend, Befana’s child dies one day and she mourns for her child. She gets
the news of Jesus’ birth and wants to see him. She finds the baby Jesus and she
makes him happy with the presents that she brings. Then, Jesus regards Befana
as the mother of every child in Italy.
La Befana is still as popular as Christmas itself in
Italy. The Italians remember the mother Befana every year with the festivals. Many
women are prepared to seem like Befana and they sweep the streets during the
festivals as a tradition. Children want to be the good one to be loved by
Befana and to get the most delicious candies. In short, the Italians love and
respect La Befana even if it is just an old custom.
VIDEO REFLECTION: A Great Presentation of La Befana’s Story
This video was shot in Italy for the tourists. You see a woman who is telling the
story and she is acting as if she were La Befana. However, I can say that she
is very good at her job. The way she tells the story is very effective. In addition,
it is very informative for those who do not know La Befana. Moreover, it is
told so entertainingly that children may like it. The place that the video was
shot is beautiful. Actually, I like all the places in Italy. In addition, the
actress or the tourist guide in the video amazed me in many aspects. She is
very talented. I liked her smiling face. I hope you also like this video and
learn more about La Befana.
Bu yorum yazar tarafından silindi.
YanıtlaSilDear Emel,
YanıtlaSilI loved your journal so much so that I read it twice. :) I want to comment on your topic and your style of writing. First of all, the topic you have chosen is not only interesting but also informative about different traditions of a different culture. It is very interesting because we have already known the witches as malevolent wizards who never do anything for the good of other human beings. However, we understand that this generalisation is totally wrong for La Befana, the Italian children-friendly witch thanks to your sharing. :)Secondly, you have really used a fluent and satisfying language for such a topic. For example, your comparison between La Befana and Santa Clause has reinforced your writing. In addition, the video you have shared makes the La Befana tradition more interesting thanks to talent of the woman portraying La Befana, as you say. Thanks for your sharing. :)