La Befana Poppet

La Befana stands at 15” - nearly 20, with her hat - and bears her trademark broom. Base is included.

This fearsome Yuletide Visitor is a fascinating figure that is beloved throughout Italy; the ‘Christmas Witch,’ La Befana. Known by many names through Italy, the kindly witch is known to use her trusty broom to “sweep away” bad energy, during her night time visits. Although folklorists have long connected La Befana to Frau Perchta, and other variations of the European winter witches, she is rather singular in her lack of cruelty. Instead, Befana is a figure that is much closer to Santa Claus, flying in her broom to deliver gifts on Epiphany Eve (January 5th). Unlike the viscous Perchta, naughty children receive nothing more sinister than the disappointment of coal, from Befana, or a whack from her broom, for children who dare to spy on her secretive gift-giving mission. 

Of particular interest, to us, is the tradition of creating doll-like effigies to La Befana, that would be burned at the conclusion of the 12 Days of Christmas. Many Italians decorate their homes with seasonal dolls of Befana, to this day. La Befana’s celebrated Epihany Eve appearances, in public squares throughout the country, are often achieved with actors and high-wire flight, and other dazzling effects. 

Despite the affection, La Befana is often described as being a filthy and haggard old woman, and children are described as both fearing and ridiculing the winter witch. Instead; our Befana is a tribute to   the “classic” witch iconography - shades of Margaret Hamilton - and has been created with all of the love, and respect, that is due to this powerful witch ancestor.