La Befana

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?

Making an Advent Wreath

Well life has been hectic recently but we took time off yesterday to make an advent wreath. Just in case you don't know what I am refering to, here's a little bit of history!

The origins of the circular Advent wreath originated with the ancient Celtic people of Germany and Scandanavia, Worship was tied to the rhythm of the Earth and its seasons and the Sun was considered very important. As the days shortened they prayed for it to return .
The center of their rituals was a living wreath or a cartwheel, woven with evergreens which lived through the winter darkness. The wheel symbolized the unending circle of life and the rotation of the seasons. The candles brought light and hope to the darkness. The circular wreath like many pagan customs was absorbed into Christian observances as Christianity spread across Europe.

 The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin word "adventus" ; meaning "coming".

The symbol of the light in the darkness and the rebirth of the Sun made equal sense to symbolise the Son of God bringing light into the world. Apparently the first official use of the wreath in churches was in the early 1880's.

In Christian observance the first candle is of Hope, the second Love, the third Joy, and fourth of Peace. If a fifth candle is used it symbolises the birth of Christ.
Various colour candles are used in different customs.

Pagans also brought in greens, winter berries, seeds, pine cones to represent life carrying on through the darkness to the approaching solstice. It reflects life's timeless connection with the Earth and the Universe, an eternal circle turning through the darkness to the light.

Mistletoe is another plant which was venerated by the Ancient Celts. When it was found growing on an Oak tree it was considered sacred. The Greeks also thought it had mystical powers.

Anyway, DD and I had a lovely time creating our wreath for this year.
 DH brought in some olive branches, they are picking olives at the moment so there were a lot of branches that had been pruned available! 

He exagerated a bit...these are taller than I am!
He also brought in some oak leaves and acorns.

My DD wove the olive branches into a circular shape and sewed the various parts together. Pine cones, berries and acorns made it look pretty. She added bells and ribbons and some little Christmas Elves. We used a round stainless steel tray as the base for safety.

Last, but most important the candles. I used 5 of them. Traditionally one is lit on every advent Sunday.

On Christmas day we can light the fifth one as well if used.

No doubt we will be adding things are they come to mind during this month! I hope to add some Holly and Mistletoe.

This is the wreath my older DD made:

Her handmade door decorations: she embroidered the bow.

What are your yuletide traditions? Do you have an Advent wreath?