There is a sinister character who appears in early January according to folklore tradition. This is a witch riding on her broomstick, entering peoples houses late at night while everyone is asleep. She appears on the eve of Epiphany, the night of 5th January, so check out if you've seen anything mysterious that wasn't the same before you went to bed! Her name is Befana, and she's recognised as a visitor all throughout Italy and other countries in Europe.
For centuries people have feared her arrival on the Epiphany Eve night, so they tried to ward her off. Dolls and effigies have been made in her likeness, and then put on the fire to burn. Children may find toys and sweets if they've been good, as well behaved kids make Befana pleased! Badly behaved kids are on Befana's naughty list and they don't get anything nice. No, instead, she'll leave horrible gifts for them such as coal and mud. Befana is either liked by children or hated by them.
To do what she does, she flies on her broomstick and enters houses through a chimney or window, but despite modern houses, she can still enter. Befana is described as a frightening figure with sharp teeth and catlike eyes, also an old woman, dressed in a black cape or shawl, long white silver hair, claw like nails, carries a basket and dressed in rags. It's believed that anyone who saw her would be in terrible danger. It's worth mentioning that Epiphany is sometimes referred to as a "mini Christmas" in Italy, with Befana becoming more benign and sweet natured in modern times to do a Santa type job. She's been called Mrs Santa by some people, the Italian version of Mother Holly and Frau Perchta of German folklore. She's similar to the Scottish fairy witch Nicnevin. Befana has roots in Roman times also connected to the ancient goddess Strenia of the new year.
She Wolf Night
