"Witches are quick-witted creatures. After a good dirty trick, grievances are instantly forgotten."
Katerina Polyanskaya "The Missing Faculty, or Witches at the Academy of Battle Mages"
In Bologna on New Year we did not see a single traditional attribute of this holiday, except for the Christmas tree. In the store windows there were mostly Christmas stars, Poinsettias, Santa Clauses, called Babbo Natale in Italy, and even those were missing. And the weather was sunny and warm (+12). So we completely lost this feeling of the New Year holiday.
And then there were plenty of witches looking at us. Yes, yes, witches on brooms, just like on Halloween. What the heck? Exactly!!!
We'll figure it out under the cut.)))
A little New Year in Bologna... 
And the rest are witches))))
It turns out that on January 6 the Catholic world celebrates Epiphany and the Day of St. Epiphany. It is believed that the night of Epiphany in Italy is full of miracles; on this night the witch Befana flies around the country. Although, according to some information, Befana flies around Italy from January 1 to January 6. Are Saint Epifania and the witch Befana the same person? Yes! Befana is a corruption of Epifania, which means "Epiphany."
They say that Befana can appear either in the form of a toothless old woman or in the form of a young beauty. But in general this Kind fairy with a bag of gifts, who on the night of January 5-6 flies into the house through the chimney on her old broom and places gifts and sweets on the prepared socks. 
The legend of Befana is an amazing mixture of paganism and Christianity. Befana comes from Bethlehem! One day, the wise men knocked on her house, looking for the newborn Jesus. Befana did not go with them, citing being busy with household chores. However, then she grabbed her magic broom and flew in search of baby Jesus, deciding to give him a gift. So the witch Befana has been flying since then, visiting all the kids and giving them gifts.
By the way, the bad guys don't get gifts (here, apparently, they and Santa Claus are in agreement!), instead of candy, they get coals.
But parents are still not such monsters as they seem)))))))))))))))), so the coals are also sugar. These are the so-called "carboni" - black sugar candies that look like coals. By the way, they turn the tongue black.))) They are sold on the streets everywhere.
Befana brought us nothing on that magical night. Either because we didn’t prepare socks, or because you have to be Italian. But we were lucky enough to catch her on the street, and this, it seems to me, is a good sign!))))
Candy for everyone! Miracles to everyone!
“Befana comes at night in shoes with holes and a pointed hat. Hooray! Hurray for Befana!” - this is how Italian children sing on January 6, greeting the good old fairy.
In Italy, Befana is the name of an old woman who, on the night of January 5-6, flies around the roofs of buildings on a broom, so that she can then get into the house through the chimney and leave caramels, chocolate, tangerines, nuts and toys in woolen stockings, which children hang from fireplaces or near window. Moreover, only obedient and kind children receive sweets and gifts, but the fairy leaves the rest in their stockings... garlic, onions, carrots, soot and coal. True, now instead of coal they use black sugar, which, by the way, can be enjoyed.
Fairy Befana is celebrated in Italy on the day of Epiphany (Epifania) celebrated here on the sixth of January. In the Catholic tradition, this holiday is associated with evangelical events after Christmas, mainly with the worship of the Magi, when three king-magicians (magi) - Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar - set off from three different countries to bring gold and incense as gifts to the Divine Child and myrrh. Along the way they met each other in Jerusalem and, although they spoke different languages, realized that their path lay in the same direction, and from there they went to the baby Jesus together.
According to a legend existing in Italy, the Magi, on the way to Bethlehem, lost their way and turned to an old woman they met for directions. The old woman, despite all the requests and persuasion, never left the house to guide the lost wise men to Bethlehem. True, she soon repented and, having prepared a whole basket of sweets, went in search of them the next day. Stopping at every house along the way, she generously gave the children sweets, hoping that one of them was the child the Magi were looking for. Since then, the old woman has had to travel the earth with sweets for the children in search of forgiveness.
The very name of the fairy, who flies around the roofs of houses on the night of January 5-6 and brings gifts to children, comes precisely from the Italian name for the holiday of Epiphany - Epifania. “Epiphania” eventually turned into “Beffania”, and then into the Befana known to children today.
Already in the 13th century, Italian children were waiting for gifts from the fairy Befana. By leaving gifts, the fairy Befana represents the coming to an end old year and, as it were, “ends” the festive period - in Italy there is even a saying “Epifania takes away all the holidays” (“L’Epifania tutte le feste porta via”).
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31598370@N08/3156078139/
Italian Befana is a very elegant and colorful old lady: in dark wide skirt, an apron with roomy pockets, a pointed hat and shoes, all covered in bright multi-colored patches.
In the old days, even before the Second World War, Befana was a favorite character of Italian children, because only on this day of the year did they receive sweets. And the children knew that if they wanted to enjoy chestnuts, homemade barley caramels and tangerines, then they had to be obedient and well-mannered at least two months before the cherished day of Befana!
But, in addition to the honorable mission of closing the holidays, another belief is associated with the name of the fairy Befana in Italy. Previously, on the twelfth night after Christmas, during the winter solstice, the Apennines celebrated the death and rebirth of nature through the veneration of the pagan idol of Mother Nature. On the night of January 6, Mother Nature, quite tired of giving away her energy to people all year, appeared to them under the guise of an old, but good witch riding on a broom.
Without strength and vital juices, she burned like a dry branch, only to be reborn later in the image of a young girl of Nature. But before she died, the old witch handed out gifts and sweets to everyone, as if she was sowing seeds that were supposed to sprout in the new year. In memory of this legend, in some regions of Italy, cleansing rituals are still carried out in order to drive out evil from the fields, beating pots with all their might, making giant bonfires or preparing straw effigies of a fairy, which is then burned on the night of January 5-6 .
In the meantime, Italy is celebrating the holidays with the old fairy Befana, Christians who use the Julian calendar are preparing to celebrate the Nativity of Christ. Happy holiday, peace and goodness to all of you and your loved ones!
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Hello everyone! Merry Christmas! Do you know that tomorrow is the Befana holiday in Italy? And that a kind grandmother with a love of flying in bad weather is called Befana? And although the weather in Italy is excellent, Befana will still come to every home!
Befana (Italian Befana (Befania) is a mythological character (among the Italians) who wanders the earth from January 1 to January 6 in the guise of an old woman (sometimes a young woman). Befana is considered by some to be an evil witch and is depicted as a rag doll, which is usually carried on a cart and burn in the main square. The more common idea is of Befana as a good creature who brings gifts to children, entering the house through the chimney. Children hang socks in front of the fireplace for gifts in advance. Gifts go only to good children, bad Befana puts ash in their socks. There is also It is believed that if there is a good owner in the house, Befana will not only give gifts to his children, but will also sweep the floor before leaving. There is a custom: on the night of January 5-6, leave a small glass of wine and a saucer of food on the fireplace for Befana. Befana is usually depicted in the form of an old woman flying on a broom, dressed all in black and with a bag of gifts and sweets on her back (in which she resembles Father Frost).In Italy itself they will talk about why Befana actually delivers gifts, but this is also a Christianized version: Befana, an Italian sorceress (that is, Strega), appears on earth during the Christmas holidays in the form of a grandmother (it is clear that this is one of the incarnations of the Triune Goddess, the wise Old Woman, Hecate, etc.). Once, while collecting brushwood in the forest, Befana met the wise men, who called her to Bethlehem to worship the Baby Jesus. But Befana (direct, like Mother Windwax:) - D.W.) said that she would first collect brushwood, and then we’ll see. When she finally went after the Magi, she found no trace of them. Terribly upset (why would that be? -D.W.), Befana vowed to give children toys every year at Christmas. She puts the gifts down the chimney. Another version says that the Italian character Fairy Befana delivers all kinds of sweets to children on January 6, the feast of Epiphany. Thus, little Italians are lucky twice: on Christmas night they receive gifts from Babbo Natale (Italian Santa Claus), and on Epiphany - sweets from Befana. According to ancient legend, she came to Italy by accident, but she liked it here so much that she settled forever. Originally from Bethlehem, Befana allegedly met the Magi on her way, hurrying with gifts to the newborn Jesus. She wanted to go with them, but was refused. Instead, she was asked to go around the world and give gifts to all obedient and prudent children. Since then, Befana has “settled” in Italy. For more than 30 years, the widest celebration has been taking place in the small town of Urbania. There the holiday will last from January 2 to 6. Five days of music, fairs, street performances, and Befana's intrepid ride on her wooden carriage appearance resembles the Russian Baba Yaga - a hooked nose, large, protruding teeth; Befana is dressed in a pointed hat, a long cloak and holey woolen stockings. On her back she carries a bag of chocolate and coals. She moves from roof to roof by jumping, on a horse or a broom. According to legend, she gifts those children who behaved well during the year with sweets, nuts, chestnuts and honey, and for those who were naughty, she brings coal, onions and garlic.
In her honor, all of Italy sings poems:
In trampled shoes
La Befana comes at night
Flying across all the rooftops
Carrying dolls and confetti.
And here come Befana
She comes from the mountains from the depths of the night,
Snow and frost (ice) surround her
Snow and frost and north wind
And here comes Befana!
Today, all Italian children know that this sorceress on a broom will bring them chocolates, lollipops, licorice, and honey nuts in her stocking. However, there, as punishment for the tricks they have committed over the past year, they will definitely find black sugar coals.
December and January are two months that not only children, but also adults look forward to. After all, this is the most fabulous time when any wishes can come true.
2 months that separate the time between BEFORE and AFTER.
2 months to take stock of the past and make plans for the future.
And no matter what country you live in, the magic of Christmas and New Year’s Eve is in the air of France and Germany, Russia and Spain, America and Italy. No matter where you are in the world, every place has its own special traditions for celebrating the New Year.
In Russia - Father Frost, in America - Santa Claus. All these are the names of the same person - the most cheerful, most generous character of magical nights.
In Italy, the role of the bearded master of frosty days is played by Babbo Natale, a kind “wizard” who annually descends from the Alps and Dolomites, where he lives in a small village with ancient castles and church bell towers.
It’s hard to say where such a character came from. There is a version that he is closely related to, who was born in the third century AD. e. in Turkey. After Nicholas died, his remains were stolen by Italian knights. The relics of the saint are now kept in the south of Italy, in the city.
However, there is another version of the origin of Babbo Natale, albeit less romantic. You can find certain similarities between this hero and Santa Claus: the same red suit, white beard, the same sleigh drawn reindeer. So it’s quite possible to say that this Italian has American roots.
The only thing that Babbo Natale does not have is the gift of foresight, which is characteristic of the Russian Father Frost. Therefore, all Italian children have to write him a letter indicating what they want to receive as a gift. I didn’t write a letter - I was left without a present.
However, Babbo is the hero of New Year's Eve. But let's not forget about such important ones as Christmas and Epiphany, which have their own hero - the fairy Befana, who flies on a broomstick. She sneaks into houses, opening doors with a small key, and fills stockings hanging on the fireplace in the children's room with gifts. However, this fairy is not only kind, but also fair. Playful children or those who did not study well receive a pinch of ash or coal instead of gifts.
Fairy Bufana. Photo smi2.ru
Befana is a controversial character. She can be both evil and good. However, her appearance is very close to that of Baba Yaga: a scary old woman with a hook-shaped nose and protruding teeth. She wears a pointed hat on her head and a long cloak on her shoulders. In Italian rituals she is depicted as a rag doll, which is burned at the stake in the main square. There are also reasons for such an action. It was believed that she was the personification of evil spirits that appear on earth on the eve of Epiphany. By the way, in Italy this holiday is called the Feast of Epiphany. This is how evil overlapped with holiness and an interesting image of the Christmas fairy arose.
By the way, about holiness. There is a version that, as a biblical character, Befana was originally from Bethlehem. When she met the wise men who were rushing to the newborn Jesus, she wanted to go with them, but they offered her another path: after all, many children are worthy of gifts. Since then, Befana began to travel around the world and give gifts to children. But one day, finding herself in Italy, she decided to stay here forever.
According to another version, it was the Magi who called the woman with them. But she refused, although she regretted it later. In search of elders, she went to wander around the world and give sweets to obedient children from January 1 to 6.
But don't think that everything new year holidays among the Italians it is the expectation of the fairy Befana and Babbo Natale. In order for the coming year to be successful, there are a number of measures that Italians are taking to attract good luck.
Away with all the old stuff!
That's right, he has nothing to do in the house in the new year. In general, shaking out your things is a very good tradition. Otherwise, some warehouses of rubbish are growing so large that they are ready to take the place of the owners. So well done Italians who throw old things out of windows into New Year's Eve. True, you need to be careful here so as not to accidentally receive a gift in the form of an iron or bucket that falls on your head during this magical time.
Christmas is a family holiday.
Relatives gather under one roof on the night of December 24-25 to not only exchange gifts, but also remember funny stories related to family. Of course, gradually the tradition of spending time with family fades into the background. For example, young people not only in Italy, but also in other countries prefer to spend their nights in clubs or with their friends. But this, as they say, costs time.
Each town has its own characteristics.
Of course, this city is far from being in terms of decorations, but the locals have a good sense of humor. This is how the marble lions that guard the palazzi are transformed for New Year's Eve. They put caps on their heads and glue on their beards. In short, they make them look like Bobbo Natale. Pots with decorated Christmas trees appear on balconies.
New Year's streets of Italy. Photo theluxuryhunter.net
If you want to listen to jazz, go to the province of Umbria. Jazz groups gather here around Christmas to entertain the public with their musical passages.
In Tuscany, it is customary to have a large bonfire, around which folk festivities take place. According to legends, evil spirits are burned on this bonfire, so the people have fun.
Popular beliefs.
If you want to attract good luck, then meet him in red underwear.
It is believed that on January 1, early in the morning, you need to go to the source. Renewed water supposedly brings happiness. By the way, it is crystal clear liquid that is a universal gift. How easy it is: if you don’t know what to give, give water: cheap and meaningful.
New Year in Madrid. Photo compus.ru
Moreover, if you are going on a journey for such a gift, do not forget to look around: after all, the person you may meet is able to predict events for you in the new year.
If this is a church minister, then expect trouble. If Small child- troubles. But to stumble upon a handsome grandfather - good sign. True, it will be even better if this old man is also hunchbacked... so cute, sweet Quasimode.
Holiday attributes are on the table!
“Olivier” salad, “Crab salad” and “Under a fur coat” salad - it’s rare that a Russian family can do without these dishes on New Year’s Eve. And even though they become boring, there is always someone in the circle of family and friends who cannot imagine a holiday without a bowl of “cuts” seasoned with mayonnaise. However, all this is just a habit that dates back to Soviet times. The Italians are another matter. Everything has its own meaning for them.
The New Year's table cannot do without nuts, grapes and lentils. All this is a symbol of longevity, prosperity and health. For example, it is believed that the more lentike (lentil dish) you eat, the richer you will be.
No table is complete without zampone - pork leg. More precisely, it is pork meat, which, together with spices, is made in a bag made from the skin of the hind leg of a pig. As a result, the dish manages to maintain the desired shape.
Another meat dish is kotekino - a pork sausage made from minced meat, which includes pieces of skin, meat and lard. All this is “packed” into a pork intestine casing and cooked for 2 hours.
The old year is celebrated with a similar dish, and it is customary to celebrate the year with a dish of pig's head. It is believed that although this animal digs the ground with its nose, it always moves forward. Therefore, those who do not want to mark time in the new year definitely need to replenish holiday menu pig meat.
By the way, in order not to frighten away your luck, there must be 13 dishes on the table! So it’s quite possible to say that Italians celebrate this holiday on a grand scale.
In addition to those main dishes that are listed above, on the table of a respectable Italian there will definitely be a product that is somewhat reminiscent Easter cake, it is decorated with raisins, candied fruits and dried fruits. This dish appeared at the end of the 15th century in Milan. There is even a legend as to how such a cake ended up on the holiday table.
Panettone. Photo liveinternet.ru
Once upon a time there lived a young nobleman who fell in love with a baker's daughter. The girl's name was Tony. To be closer to his beloved, the young man came to the bakery and hired himself as an apprentice to his beloved’s father. Having learned the skill of a baker, he created bread that was supposed to glorify his beloved. He called this product “Bread from Toni” (“Pane di Toni”). Naturally, such a work of culinary art, into which so much love was invested, did not leave buyers indifferent.
But in general, it’s not so important what you have on the table, the main thing is that there are close people nearby. And then any year, even the most difficult one, will pass easily. After all, you have those you can always rely on!
Happy New Year to you!
New Year's wizards from different countries
Each country has its own, special one, and they call it differently.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year in different countries has its own characteristics and traditions. This also applies to the main participant of these holidays - Santa Claus. Each country has its own, special one, and they call it differently. The most famous are Grandfather Frost and Santa Claus. And what other wizards come to these holidays to people to please them?
Russia - Santa Claus
Three snow-white horses are rushing to Santa Claus for the holiday. Santa Claus is in a painted sleigh, wearing a long fur coat, usually blue or red, and holding a magic staff. And next to him is always his beautiful granddaughter Snegurochka.
USA, Canada, UK, Australia - Santa Claus
Santa is younger than Grandfather Frost, quite well-fed and cheerful. He is easily recognized by his red outfit and cap of the same color. As soon as Santa gives a sign to his magical talking reindeer Rudolph, they are already in the air! Having carefully entered the house through the chimney, placing gifts in the shoes or stockings prepared by the fireplace, Santa, of course, does not forget to enjoy the treats left for him, usually milk and cookies.
Belarus - Father Frost (Dzed Maroz) and Zyuzya
The Belarusian Father Frost settled in the beautiful Belovezhskaya Pushcha park. Here he welcomes guests all year round.
There is another character in Belarus, very similar to the Russian Grandfather Frost, although a little eccentric - Zyuzya. He lives in the forest, often walks barefoot or in house shoes on your bare leg.
Belgium - Saint Nicholas
This Santa Claus is the eldest of the whole family. He rides on a horse, and always next to him is the Moor Black Peter, who has with him a bag of gifts and rods for hooligans. The owners of the house where Saint Nicholas stays usually leave a golden apple as a keepsake of him.
Hungary - Nikalaus and Telapo
First, Nikalaush brings gifts to the children for Christmas, but before that his assistants tell him how the children behaved. And, accordingly, someone gets candy, and someone gets coals.
After Christmas, Nikalausha takes over from Telapo. Sometimes the little devil Krampus comes with him to the children, who slightly frightens the mischievous children by the fact that he may leave them without a gift.
Holland - Sinter Klaas
This wizard appears surrounded by a whole retinue of dark-skinned Moors with turbans on their heads. They accompany Sinter Klaas everywhere, and their duties also include distributing the gifts he brought.
Germany - Weihnachtsmann
The local Santa Claus is called Weinachtsmann. Children love this very much good grandfather, who comes to them on a donkey with gifts. The children, while waiting for Weihnachtsmann, leave treats in their shoes for the donkey.
Along with Weinachtsmann, a very strange-looking creature also appears - Polznickel. Strangely dressed in a topsy-turvy fur coat, holding a rod intended for hooligan children, he wanders the streets, clinking his chains and frightening passers-by.
But many Germans are not afraid of him at all; on the contrary, they believe that Polznickel disperses evil spirits with the ringing of chains.
Denmark - Yletomten (Julemanden)
Yuletomnen is distinguished by the fact that when he brings gifts into the house, he tries not to leave them under the tree or near the fireplace, as many other Santa Clauses do, but hides them in the most unexpected places. And in the morning there is a commotion in the house - everyone is busy looking for gifts, and sometimes this drags on for a long time. Nevertheless, it is pleasant and interesting.
This grandfather also has assistants - mischievous little brownie gnomes, very good-natured. They have wooden shoes on their feet and red caps on their heads. Their favorite treats are rice pudding and oatmeal with cinnamon.
Ireland - Dady na Nollagh
In this land of fairy-tale elves, shrouded in secrets and legends, Santa Claus is also very unusual. He is wearing a green fur coat, which is very popular in Ireland, on his head is not a hat, but a wreath, his staff is decorated with herbs.
Spain - Papa Noel
Although the Spaniards only recently met Santa Claus (the Magic Kings used to give them gifts), they have already fallen in love with him. And now they celebrate the holidays with him. But they also haven’t forgotten about the Magic Kings, and they now come with gifts on January 6th.
Italy - Babbo Natale and the fairy Befana
The wizard Bobo Natale comes to Italian children on a sleigh with reindeer. Having made his way into the house (usually through a pipe), he leaves gifts for each child under the Christmas tree. And in case he wants a snack on the way, a cup of milk is waiting for him in every house.
The fairy La Befana also brings gifts to Italian children on these holidays. She also goes down the chimney and lays out gifts, while strictly making sure that only obedient children receive them. Before flying away, she sweeps the floor near the fireplace
China - Shan Dan Laozhen
The Chinese grandfather has a rather exotic appearance - he wears a silk oriental robe, an intricate headdress, and he moves astride a donkey. But, nevertheless, he has much in common with European wizards. In particular, he also puts gifts in socks hanging on the wall.
Norway - Ylebukk
The Norwegian Julebukk is also helped by the little house gnomes Nisse, who are very fond of sweet oatmeal with butter. The children set the table for them with their favorite delicacy, and the gnomes leave them gifts.
Romania and Moldova - Mosh Craciun
According to an old legend, the Virgin Mary once stayed with the shepherd Krechun. And after she gave birth to Jesus, the shepherd brought her cheese and milk. When, after some time, Mary left with the child, the shepherd began to give gifts to the children.
Finland - Joulupukki
High in the mountains lives the leisurely life of Joulupukki, the Finnish Father Frost. His wife, Muori, also lives in the house with him.
France - Pere Noel
For good children, Mikulas has sweets, apples and oranges. But hooligans can easily find a potato or a piece of coal in the morning instead of the expected gift.
Japan - Segatsu-san and newcomer Oji-san
In Japan, there is a traditional Santa Claus, Segatsu-san, who visits children during the week. Although he comes without gifts, every home is eagerly waiting for him and preparing for the meeting - they install special gates and dress up. It is believed to bring health and good luck.
Recently appeared in Japan new Grandfather Frost, in a red sheepskin coat, his name is Oji-san. This Santa Claus comes with gifts. And he has already managed to win the love of the Japanese, especially children.
