What is boxing day

What is Boxing Day about and does it have anything to do with boxes? What do you know about Boxing Day, other than the fact it's a public holiday, and a good time to get a bargain?

Have you ever wondered where the name comes from, or what the day has meant over the centuries? As it turns out, the exact roots are unknown. But there are a few theories, stretching all the way back to the Middle Ages. It originated in the United Kingdom and one theory is that it was originally a day to compensate servants.

Clues to the origin of the "boxing" name can be found in the Oxford English Dictionary which referred to a day "on which post-men, errand-boys, and servants of various kinds expect to receive a Christmas-box". A "Christmas box" was an old way of referring to giving money to servants around Christmas time.

The Macquarie Dictionary also describes the day as traditionally being when "Christmas boxes or presents were given to employees". Constant Mews, the director of the Centre for Religious studies at Monash University, grew up in South London and recalls this old tradition continuing into his childhood.

December 26 was also the Feast of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr and a figure known for acts of charity. He was accused of blasphemy and later stoned to death after being made to stand trial.

In honour of the god Saturn, the Romans took part in a week-long December festival called Saturnalia, which involved feasting, parties, drinking and giving gifts. Certain traditions from Saturnalia such as gift giving, lighting candles, and decorating houses in green wreaths endure as Christian festivities.

In the early modern era, the charity 'Christmas boxes' were also regarded as a good luck charm. Professor Cusack says it was the "great age of exploration", the time when Columbus made it to the New World in Ireland celebrates December 26 as St. Although the practice of almsgiving on December 26 has faded with charity now being given in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the Boxing Day name has endured.

These days, December 26 is a popular holiday in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries for watching sports such as soccer and cricket, shopping and visiting friends. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Twice a week we compile our most fascinating features and deliver them straight to you. Live TV. Can you imagine swimming in the frigid English Channel? My family in England have always said Boxing Day was when the upper-class would box up their left-over food from Christmas Day and give it to the poor.

There was no mention of boxed up gifts or money. The money box at the churches is more likely from the early 20th century. All they know is that its a day off work and don't care about the origins. I love Canada,they are so laid back. Skip to main content. Boxing Day History, Traditions, and More.

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