2. The main exchange of gifts takes place on January 6, the feast of the
Epiphany, the celebration in remembrance of the Magi's visit to the Christ
Child. Children anxiously await a visit from La Befana who brings gifts for
the good and punishment for the bad. According to legend, the three wise
men stopped during their journey and asked an old woman for food and
shelter. She refused them and they continued on their way. Within a few
hours the woman had a change of heart but the Magi were long gone. La
Befana, which means Epiphany, still wonders the earth searching for the
Christ Child. She is depicted in various ways: as a fairy queen, a crone, or
a witch.
3. The popularity of the Nativity scene, one of the most beloved and
enduring symbols of the holiday season, originated in Italy. St. Francis of
Assisi asked a man named Giovanni Vellita of the village of Greccio to
create a manger scene. St. Francis performed mass in front of this early
Nativity scene, which inspired awe and devotion in all who saw it. The
creation of the figures or pastori became an entire genre of folk art.
In Rome, cannon are fired from Castel St. Angelo of Christmas Eve to
announce the beginning of the holiday season. A 24-hour fast ends with
an elaborate Christmas feast. Small presents are drawn from the Urn of
Fate.
