"One especially attractive figure associated with Old Christmas Day is La Befana, the Italian Christmas Witch who brings presents on the night of Jan 5, Old Christmas Eve. She is portrayed as a broomstick riding hag, one leaves ricotta cheese out for her, because her teeth are so bad. It is widely recognised that she is a form of Hecate or Hekate, the ancient mythological Goddess of the Witches.....beloved Hecate, who as Hesiod (circa 700bc) said can grant to every man his hearts desire. Well, beloved by some reviled by others. Give them a Google, Befana and Hecate, there is plenty of interest..."
Link: La Befana....the Witch of Christmas : Melbourne Indymedia.
Via: Professor Hex.
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