La Befana Canadian Postage Stamp

There is a stamp in Canada that was issued for Christmas, but reminds me more of Halloween each time I see it. The stamp features “La Befana”, who was a kind hearted witch in Italian folklore.

Legend has it that La Befana was sweeping her floors when the Three Wise Men stopped by her home and asked her if she knew where the Christ child was. She did not know, but she invited the Three Wise men to stay the night with her. The next day she was invited to join them in their search for baby Jesus, but La Befana declined their invitation because she was too busy cleaning. Later she changed her mind and wanted to see the baby. Despite her extensive searching, she unfortunately was not able to find the Wise Men or baby Jesus.

The legend states that she travels around the world, via a broomstick, up and down chimneys on Christmas Eve searching for Baby Jesus. Along the way, she leaves gifts in stockings for the “holy child” in each home she visits. There are several other similar types of stories about La Befana and her Santa Clause like travels and gift giving adventures.

This Canadian postage stamp shows La Befana flying on her broom stick. It is comprised of seven different colors.