Befana the New Year, called Giubiana in Northern Italy, with clear Celtic origins. Italian anthropologists Claudia and Luigi Manciocco, in their book "Una casa senza porte" ("A House without Doors") trace Befana's origins back to Neolithic beliefs and practices. The team of anthropologists also wrote about Befana as a figure that evolved into a goddess associated with fertility and agriculture. Befana also maintains many similarities with Perchta and her Pre-Christian Alpine traditions. The Befana is celebrated throughout all of Italy, and has become a national icon. In the regions of the Marches, Umbria and Latium, her figure is associated with the
Christmas in Ireland Ireland in 2009, with "Happy Xmas" topping a similar poll cast in Northern Ireland. The Christmas music of British singer Cliff Richard is most popular with those over the age of 55. The Irish number one single for Christmas is announced on Christmas Eve every year. Santa Claus, "Daidí na Nollag" (lit. Daddy of Christmas) in Irish and traditionally "Father of Christmas" in Irish English, is known in Ireland as "Santy" or "Santa". He brings presents to children in Ireland, which are opened on Christmas morning. It is traditional to leave a mince pie and a bottle or a glass