It has been a while since I have had time to write on here. Life over the holidays has been hectic. Now finally things are getting back to normal, school has started again and the usual tran tran of daily life has begun once more.
This is my little "Brujita": Witch. A 32cm Paola Reina doll totally made in Spain. I love the quality of these dolls.I have just published a knitting pattern for her on Ravelry. See how angelic she can look? Yet we know she is plotting something just the same!
In Italy there is the tradition of a witch bringing gifts on January 6th. When I first moved to the village there was no Santa Claus and kids would receive their gifts from the "La Befana".
When Jesus was born at Bethlehem the Wise Men followed the star to bring their gifts of gold, incense and myrh. They met an old lady and invited her to go with them, but she was very tired and refused. Afterwards she regretted not having accepted the invitation and tried to follow them but as she didn't know the way she couldn't reach them.
Since then she brings sweets and gifts to the children hoping to find the Christchild. She flies on an old broom and leaves candy in the stockings hung by the chimney or the door.
Beware though, if you are naughty she will bring you a piece of coal!
There is a very famous race of the "Befana's" every year at Piazza Navona in Rome. It is a very popular event.
A nearby Calabrian village has the tradition that on the night between January 5th and 6th all the animals can talk and from the two village fountains, instead of water, milk and oil flow.
Animals are given lots of fodder that night so they won't speak badly about their owners!
Here you can see how pretty her hair is. It has various colours. Her striped stockings match the colours!
Do you have any local traditions which are different from the usual Santa Claus? Who brings the gifts in your part of the world?
