BEFANA’S CHRISTMAS
Several years ago, when I was just a boy, I took part in a Christmas program centered around the theme: “Christmas Around the World.” My part in the program was to recite the following poem. I have always remembered it, but have no idea who wrote it. In Italy, Saint Nicholas doesn’t bring the gifts to the children on Christmas morning. It’s someone named Befana. There’s a legend about her in poetry: Befana, the housewife, scrubbing her pane,
Saw two old sages ride down the lane.
Saw three gray travelers pass her door –
Gasper, Balthazar and Melchoir.
“Where journey you, sirs?” she asked of them.
And Gasper answered, “To Bethlehem,
For we have news of a marvelous thing; Born in a stable is Christ the King!”
“Give Him my welcome!” Balthazar smiled.
“Come with us, mistress, to greet the child.”
“Oh, happily, happily, would I fare
Were my dusting done and…
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