The original post: /r/todayilearned by /u/Flares117 on 2024-12-05 13:41:14.

Original Title: TIL: The Befana, is an Italian witch like woman who delivers gifts to children like Santa, but on Jan 5 with broomstick, gives garlic to bad children, and sweeps before she leaves. It was banned for a few years in 1977 to reduce holidays to help the economy.