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
Christmas in Hungary Day Hungarian children traditionally place a boot on their windowsill waiting for Mikulás to come by and fill it with treats. There is no Mrs. Mikulás in Hungary. In Hungary, Mikulás often comes with an assistant: a "Krampusz", a Devil, who punishes bad children. In the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia, Miklavž has another assistant, a good Angel, who gives out presents to good children. While in the Netherlands and Belgium, he is often joined by a black-faced man called Zwarte Piet. To expatriate Hungarians and those non-natives of Hungarian lineage, the celebration is often referred to as "Hungarian Christmas".