by Paula Gail Benson
This
year, I learned the story of La Befana, an Italian elderly woman, who greeted and
gave directions to the Wise Men, but completed her housework instead of
accompanying them to Bethlehem. After reconsidering, she tried to find them,
carrying gifts for the Christ child. Each year, she continues to search,
leaving sweets for good children and coal or onions or candy coal for bad ones
(in their socks or shoes). She rides on her broom and sweeps away the refuse of
the old year. Instead of milk, people leave her wine and cakes or cookies made
of alcoholic beverages.
