La Befana

The woman with lip plates: Around the Omo river, a tribe known as the Murai is known for having there woman get large plates or discs inserted in their lips. From the ages of, 15-18 young girls will get their bottom lip pierced by a stick. As time goes on, the stick will increasingly get larger until a small disc is placed instead, each year, a bigger disc is placed. For the disc to be placed on the girl's bottom, two teeth need to be removed for more comfort. These discs are made of either wood or clay, with a unique design on each disc. Discs were often remade and replaced due to them breaking quite often. The discs where to be worn at all times when in the presence of males, with the exception of eating and sleeping. When the disc was removed, the bottom lip would dangle onto the chin. This tradition started back during the African slave trade; villagers decided to make the woman less presentable towards the traders for them to stop stealing them.  Although they were told that i...

The legend of Befana: When the three Magi came bearing gifts of gold, myrrh and incense, for the newborn Jesus every village they passed through villagers would run to join there journey, all except for one woman, Befana, she claimed she was too busy and that she would join when she had less work to do. Without realizing her mistake she continued her house chores. The next morning she awoke frantically finally realizing the mistake she has made, she runs to join the magi still holding her broom but they where already gone. Since then shes been known as "La Befana" or "Befana" for short, she delivers toys for little boys and girls on the eve of Epiphany, January 6. Children prepare for a late night visit from Befana by hanging up stockings above the hearth. Good children will receive treats and goodies in there socks, while naughty children will receive coal, onions, and garlic.  I think that the legend of Befana is very sweet and very similar to our Christmas. I thi...