On the night of January 5 children throughout Italy and, in particular, Calabria, hang their stockings from the fireplace mantle or place their shoes by the bedroom door all in anticipation of a beloved old lady who will slide down the chimney or squeeze through the keyhole to bring gifts to the sleeping boys and girls. 

Her name is “La Befana,” which could be derived from the Greek word, “Epiphany,” a Christian holiday that marks the arrival of the