By Jacqueline Kelly –
Boxing Day takes place on December 26, the first day, or normally, the first weekday after Christmas. It is celebrated in a few countries like Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
It was started in Britain about 800 years ago, during the Middle Ages. It was the day when the collection boxes for the poor often kept in Churches were traditionally opened, so that the contents could be distributed to poor people. Some Churches still open these boxes on Boxing Day.
The name is a reference to charity drives. A box to collect money for the poor and placed in churches on Christmas day and opened the next day- Boxing Day.
It got its name from the custom of giving a “Christmas Box” on this day to employees, tradesmen or artisans as a token of appreciation.
“A Christmas Box” in Britain is a name for a Christmas present. It was traditionally a day off for servants and the day when they received a “Christmas Box” from the Master. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give “Christmas Boxes” to their families.
The name refers to a nautical tradition. Great Sailing ships when setting sail would have a sealed box containing money on board for good luck, and was given to a Priest, opened at Christmas and the contents then given to the poor.
In recent times, the day has become synonymous with many sports. Horse racing is particularly popular all over the country. Many top football teams also play on Boxing Day. They are considered to be popular past times.
It is also a time when the British indulge in traditions like swimming the icy cold English Channel, fun runs and charity events.
Another “sport” to emerge in recent years is Shopping. Sales used to start in January, post New Year, but the desire to grab a bargain and
for shops to off-load stock means many now begin on Boxing Day.
Canadians consider Boxing day as Grand Daddy of all Shopping Days.
In Ireland, Boxing Day is also known as “Saint Stephen’s Day” named after the saint stoned to death for believing in Jesus. In Ireland, on Boxing Day, there was once a cruel act carried out by the so-called “Wren Boys”. These boys would dress up and go out, and stone Wren birds to death then carry their catch around the town knocking on doors and asking for money, the stoning representing what had happened to Saint Stephen. This tradition has now stopped, thank goodness, but the Wren Boys still dress up but instead parade around town and collect for charity.
With guests often popping in, lunch will usually be a buffet or leftovers from Christmas lunch. Baked Ham is a popular Boxing Day meat and of course, mince pies with brandy, butter or a slice of Christmas cake or other dessert are most obligatory.