In class, we've been studying many things, but right now we're doing a festival from our own country. I'm doing an Italian feast (because I'm half Italian) called "The Epiphany".

On January 6th, it's known to celebrate a festival called "The Epiphany". This festival is celebrated in Italy, and probably other countries that I don't know of. The celebration is all about a good witch called "La Befana" who comes around on that day putting candy in your socks-- but of course, only if you leave your socks hanging beside the fireplace.

"The Epiphany" has it's own reason for celebration, like Santa Claus is celebrated for Jesus being born. "The Epiphany" celebrates the three wise men who made the journey to visit the baby Jesus. The legend begins as the Magi (or the three kings or three wise men) were on their journey to bring presents for baby Jesus. On their way, they asked an old woman for food and drink, but the woman refused, and the Magi kept on walking. A while after they had gone, the woman realised what she had done, but it was too late because the Magi had gone. Now they say she disguises herself as a good witch who we call "La Befana" who rides on a broomstick looking for the baby Jesus, leaving candy for children on her way.

Now know what the feast of the Epiphany and that it is celebrated Italy. I haven't said yet how we celebrate it. In Italy, you get a pair of socks, and hang them near the fireplace. I know this is a very simple system to celebrate it, but sometimes people hold out parties. Children don't always get candy, because if they have been bad, they will get black charcoal. If they have been fairly bad, they might get sugar charcoal to eat!, Instead if they have been very good La Befana (the witch) will leave candy or sometimes a present in their socks.

Putting your socks out isn't the only thing you can do. On January 5th, people of all ages go to greet La Befana from 11am to 7pm at the Roof Garden of the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome.

1. The word Epiphany means "appearance"?
2. The feast of the Epiphany is also celebrated in Puerto Rico?
3. Did you know that Epiphany is spelt E-P-I-P-H-A-N-Y?!
4. Did you know La Befana always comes the day before children go to school?
5. Did you know that the word "Befana" can't be translated in English?

Research from the Internet: See links below

Research from an Encyclopedia: "Epiphany" The British World Book Encyclopedia (volume E) copyright in 1996

Books: Gaer, Joseph. Holidays Around The World published by Little, copyrights in 1993