Читать книгу The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures: The Ultimate A–Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic - John Matthews - Страница 216

In Italy, Befana is the old grandmother who neglected to offer hospitality to the Magi when they called on their way to Bethlehem. She was too busy with her housework when they called and so she followed them. Every Twelfth Night (6 January), on the Feast of Epiphany, she prepares a welcome for them. Because she could not give her own gift to the Christ Child, she now fills the shoes of children with gifts. She has the status of a gift-bestowing fairy in Italian tradition. She corresponds to the Russian character, Babouschka.