Strenua scholars the Befana tradition is derived by the Strenua cult. In the book "Vestiges of Ancient Manners and Customs, Discoverable in Modern Italy and Sicily" by Rev. John J. Blunt (John Murray, 1823), the author says: "This Befana appears to be heir at law of a certain heathen goddess called Strenia, who presided over the new-year's gifts, 'Strenae,' from which, indeed, she derived her name. Her presents were of the same description as those of the Befana—figs, dates, and honey. Moreover her solemnities were vigorously opposed by the early Christians on account of their noisy, riotous, and licentious character". Strenua
How the Toys Saved Christmas along with some music scores taken out and new music added in. In the original version, the story took place during the Epiphany Eve, because in Italian folklore the Befana is a good witch that gives presents and candies to the children during the night between 5 and 6 January. Buena Vista Home Video released the film in its English-dubbed version on DVD in 2003. Echo Bridge Home Entertainment re-released the film on DVD in 2011. How the Toys Saved Christmas How the Toys Saved Christmas (Original Italian title "La freccia azzurra", ) is a 1996 Italian animated film directed