The Befana Is Returning

Steve Siporin is professor emeritus in English and history (folklore) at Utah State University, where he also served as the director of the folklore program and coordinator for public folklore studies. He is the author, coeditor, and translator of several books, most recently Stories of Jewish Life: Casale Monferato-Rome-Jerusalem, 1876-1985 by Augusto Sergre.

List of Illustrations Preface Acknowledgments Introduction 1 History 2 Season and Cycle 3 Mezzadria 4 Food 5 Song 6 The Old Woman 7 The Befana Is Returning 8 The Exchange Epilogue Appendix: The Magical Night Notes Bibliography Index

"[An] excellent study of the history and contemporary practice of the Befanata custom in Italy and beyond. . . . A classical folklore investigation in the best sense of the term. . . . Sensitive and comprehensive."-- "Folklore" "Siporin's delightful, thoroughly researched book transports us to the Tuscan countryside to reveal the mysterious Befana's story. From her roots as a pre-Roman goddess, to her pop cultural presence today, the Befana is at heart about the light of community, connection, and conviviality in the darkness of a winter's night."--Sabina Magliocco, University of British Columbia "Siporin's insightful analysis of this centuries-old mumming tradition helps us understand human connection to the yearly cycle, family and community structures, the ravages of Early Modern period hunger and poverty, and the fragility of folk tradition in the twenty-first century."--Jennifer Eastman Attebery, Idaho State University Winner of the Wayland D. Hand Prize, American Folklore Society-- "Winner of the Wayland D. Hand Prize, American Folklore Society" "A seminal work of meticulously detailed scholarship. . . . The Befana Is Returning: The Story of a Tuscan Festival will have a special and particular appeal to readers with an interest in Italian folklore, history and mythology."-- "Midwest Book Review"