Despite all the feminist and political topics I desperately want to address, I don’t have time to think very hard about anything today. I do, however, want to note that today is the Feast of the Epiphany, the day Catholics recognize as marking the arrival of the Three Kings at the manger to pay their respects. Although I am not of Catholic heritage, I have deeply buried associations with this day from my very earliest childhood in Italy. When I was 3, 4, and 5 years old I not only believed in Santa Claus, but I also believed in La Befana. La Befana is a sweet, little old lady who flies around on her broomstick and leaves candy for small children on January 6. The story goes that when the Three Kings were on their journey, they stayed on their route with La Befana, who was the best housekeeper in her village. When they invited her to accompany them, she declined because she was too busy sweeping. But later on, she wished she had gone with them-- and she took off on her broomstick to try to find the manger. That’s why she stops in to check on the little children at Epiphany-- because she’s still hoping to find the Baby Jesus and leave him her gifts.
One of my very favorite children’s book illustrators, Tomie dePaola, wrote an illustrated version of La Befana's story. I’ve been a fan of Tomie dePaola’s illustrations since the ‘70s, when I was a subscriber to Cricket magazine. His drawings incorporate Renaissance references and fat Italian grandmas and they seem to have an innocent and happy feel. Last summer I stood in line to meet him at a book signing with my two quarter-century old Cricket magazine covers and the La Befana book I bought at the store. I think I was the only adult there without a child in tow! Tomie also has a very cool website which I just love-- lots of examples of his illustrations and a neat feature called “Tomie Says” under “Being an Artist,” in which he writes about his youth and his experiences, including once having considered becoming a monk. He seems like a fascinating and delightful person.
I love Tommie DePaloa's stuff!
Posted by: will | January 07, 2006 at 11:54 AM
Thanks so much for sharing this information. I love the quote on Tomie.com about the creative process being one where you "make the invisible visible."
If you are ever in Pittsburgh during Christmas season, at PPG Place, where I work, there is a large display called "Spirits of Giving Around the World." La Befana is one of the featured Spirits depicted in a larger than life size statue with her story explained in a nearby poster.
You can read more about the display at http://pittsburgh.about.com/library/weekly/aa113000a.htm
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Posted by: pharmacy foreign | September 13, 2007 at 07:30 AM
This is another wonderful Christian legend by the migthy author Tomie de Paola.
If you prize old tales and love stories about the Catholic faith, then don't miss this one. The story of Old Befana is very engaging, a little sad at times but with a heartwarming ending. This book will make a wonderful gift for the Holidays!
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