|
|
Lucky Dip game is played after this meal, in which people draw from the Urn of Fate and may receive presents or empty boxes. Usually, there is at least one gift for each person. By twilight, candles are lighted around 'Presipio', the family crib, and prayers are said. Then, there is poem recitation by children. On Christmas day, crowds gather in the huge Vatican Square by noon, where the Pope blesses them. Italian children receive their gifts on Epiphany or 6th of January, which are delivered by the ugly but kindly witch called Befana, who flies around on a broomstick.
According to the folklore, Three Kings visited her to ask directions and told her that Christ was born. She was busy cleaning and didn't reply to them. When she was finished, she finally registered the truth but by then, the Kings had already left. She regretted her delay. It is said that since then, she fliers around and leave presents for children, in the hopes that the Christ child will receive them. She slides down chimneys, leaves good things in stockings and shoes for good children and coals for children who have been naughty.
