Neighbor News
La Befana Celebrates the Winter Solstice & the Christmas Star
The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn along with the Winter Solstice Provides for a Once in a Lifetime Magical Event.
*Local author breaks down the significance of the Unique Appearance of the Legendary “North Star” & its relevance to the Christmas story & the Italian Legend of La Befana
Connecticut, December 21, 2020 –During this dark time of COVID19 there is a significant astronomical event occurring that for the first time in hundreds of years will allow us to see a “Christmas Star, similar to the one that appears in ancient legends and stories of the birth of Christ.
While scientists, meteorologists and astronomers have their own explanations for this singular phenomenon, there is another explanation that stems from religious beliefs and folktales originating in Italy. As everyone is anticipating the alignment of the stars and planets to replicate the brilliant North Star that guided the Magi along their way to the holy child back in biblical times, local Connecticut native and author, Kate West is prepared to share the legend of the ancient Italian witch, La Befana, and its essential message of hope and healing at this time of year with young and old alike.
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For the first time in hundreds of years we will be able to see a Christmas Star, just like the one that appears in Kate’s book: La Befana and the Star.
Kate West, is the author of the children’s book La Befana & the Star which recounts this classic Italian legend with a modern culinary twist. In the book, La Befana is so inspired by the Christmas Star that she pours an overabundance of love into her cookies that gives everyone who eats them a glow emanating from the love within each bite.
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This season La Befana & Friends, also known as Kate and her partner Dina Gregory, a former classroom teacher, Tedx speaker and now puppeteer, have teamed up with NYC Relief -on a mission to bring literature to life by sharing 10,000 moments, smiles, and magic star cookies with those who are hurting and homeless in the streets of New York City.
Given these trying times where not only COVID cases are spiking but also the diseases of despair, La Befana’s unapologetic hope, wisdom, wonder, and sass is sure to melt the hearts of readers everywhere and give them a timely reminder in these divisive times that life is sweeter together.
As Kate and Dina share the story of La Befana and the Star, the following lessons are imparted:
1. The power of doing the small acts of kindness in times of crisis
2. The importance of celebration in the midst of pain
3. The building of movements one magical moment at a time
La Befana & Friends have been featured on WTNH News Channel 8 and the Italian American Podcast and below you can find a clip of La Befana & Friends most recent outings with NYC Relief
For more information on La Befana & Friends, please contact:
Kate West: whoiskatewest@gmail.com; 310-425-5350
Dina Gregory: Dina.Gregory@gmail.com; 917-364-1420