Think Christmas is well and truly over? – it’s not if you’re Italian

Today is the Feast of the Epiphany in Christian countries. My mother was Italian and Catholic and she introduced we three children to the character of Befana – the Good Witch who brings presents for children on the eve of the Epiphany. It made some sense; after all, the three kings did not bring gifts to the baby Jesus on the day of his birth which we celebrate as Christmas Day, but some time later on the day we mark as the Epiphany. You can learn more about Befana here.

It’s on a day like today that I particularly remember my mother who died in 1999. Of course, I still miss her very much. One my my short stories was inspired, not so much by the life she led (which was a tough one), as by the life I would like her to have experienced. You can read it here.


 




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