Epiphany has passed, as has the tradition of the Epiphany stocking, which was hung in more than half of homes (52 percent), but with a decidedly green and healthy turn. This is according to a Coldiretti/Ixe' survey on the Epiphany tradition. Unmissable in the stocking were chocolates, candies and sweet coal, but the push for better nutrition also influences the Befana and in many families figs and prunes, hazelnuts, walnuts and especially homemade cookies also return. Although the lure of tradition remains strong, the contents of the stockings "hung" on the chimney by the nice old lady, who in the past gave only garlic, chili peppers, potatoes and real coal to the most "mischievous" children, has therefore changed. For many children, in fact, the arrival of the Befana is also an opportunity to receive the last gifts of the holidays, often also to heal the disappointments of Christmas. For the past few years, however, the date has also spread to adults, who take advantage of the occasion to exchange or give gifts to each other, including symbolic ones, often taking advantage of the beginning of the sale season.
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