Once the twinkling lights of Christmas Day have
dimmed, but just when you think the festive spirit is drawing to a close, along
comes Boxing Day with its own share of merriment and traditions. This uniquely
British holiday, celebrated on the 26th of December, has piqued curiosity for
its name and traditions. Let's dive deep into its history to demystify this
special day.
Origin of Boxing Day - Servants'
Day Off
One of the earliest origins of Boxing Day
dates back to the Middle Ages. Where it was traditionally the day when landowners
would give their servants a day off. After working tirelessly on Christmas Day, to ensure that the lord of the manor and his family enjoyed their festivities,
servants were allowed the following day off to visit their families. They were
often sent on their way with a ‘Christmas Box’ – a gift of appreciation, which
leads us to the next origin.
The Christmas Box Tradition
The term 'Boxing Day' is believed to have been derived from the custom of giving and receiving Christmas boxes. But what were these boxes? In the late 17th century, it became a tradition for tradespeople to collect “Christmas boxes” of money or presents as thanks for good service throughout the year. This was not limited to just the household staff but also extended to mailmen, milkmen, and other service providers. The box was a token of appreciation for their year-long service.
Alms Boxes in Churches
A more religious origin of Boxing Day relates
to the alms boxes that are placed in churches during the Advent season for the
collection of donations to the poor. On the day after Christmas, these boxes
were ceremoniously opened, and the contents were distributed among the needy,
ensuring they too had reason to celebrate during this festive season.
Origin of Boxing Day - The Feast
of St. Stephen
Boxing Day also coincides with the Feast of
St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, known for his charitable acts. The
carol "Good King Wenceslas" highlights this connection, describing
how Wenceslas, the Duke of Bohemia in the 10th century, ventured out in harsh
winter to provide alms to the poor on the Feast of St. Stephen.
Boxing Day and the Wider
Commonwealth
While Boxing Day is intrinsically linked with
British history, it didn't stay confined to its shores. As the British Empire
expanded, so did many of its traditions. Today, countries like Canada,
Australia, and New Zealand, among others in the Commonwealth, also celebrate
Boxing Day, albeit with their own regional twists.
Modern Celebrations of Boxing Day
Today's Boxing Day celebrations may not always
reflect its historical or religious roots, but they're undeniably festive.
Here's how the modern UK and other countries have embraced this day:
●
Sales, Sales, Sales: Many
anticipate the Boxing Day Sales. Shops offer huge discounts,
making it one of the busiest shopping days of the year. It's the UK's answer to
America's Black Friday.
●
Sporting Events: Football and
rugby matches are staples of Boxing Day. The Boxing Day Test match, a cricket
game held in Melbourne, Australia, attracts fans from all over the world.
●
Fox Hunting: Historically, Boxing
Day was a major day for hunting. While traditional fox hunting has been banned
in the UK since 2004, many still attend the hunt meets, where dogs follow
artificially laid trails.
●
Family and Feasts: Many families
use this day to catch up with relatives, basking in the festive hangover with
leftover turkey and mince pies.
●
Boxing Day Dip: Quite a few brave
souls in the UK, and even in parts of Canada, take part in the 'Boxing Day Dip'
– a chilly swim in the sea or a lake. It’s both a fun tradition and, in many
cases, an opportunity to raise money for charity.
While for some, Boxing Day might be seen as an
extension of the festivities or a day to nab a bargain, its roots are deeply
entrenched in the history of giving and gratitude. Whether it's the lord
sharing his bounty with the servant, the parish distributing alms to the needy,
or a modern-day family donating to charity, the essence of Boxing Day remains –
a day to share and to give back.
As you nestle on your sofa, watching the
football or enjoying another slice of Christmas pudding, take a moment to
appreciate the rich tapestry of traditions that Boxing Day brings with it. It’s
yet another reminder of how the season of giving extends beyond just one day on
the calendar.
