What is Boxing Day and why is it celebrated?
Despite its name, Boxing Day, which is celebrated on December 26 in Great Britain, has nothing to do with pugilistic competition. Nor is it a day for people to return unwanted Christmas presents.
What is the Boxing Day substitute holiday for Christmas Day?
Where 26 December falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Boxing Day substitute holiday always takes place on 28 December. This is because when Boxing Day is a Sunday, Monday 27 December is the substitute holiday for Christmas Day. [21]
What is Boxing Day in Toronto?
Boxing Day crowds shopping at Toronto's Eaton Centre. Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide (26 December). [1] Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday in Australia?
In Australia, Boxing Day is a public holiday in all jurisdictions except the state of South Australia, where a public holiday known as Proclamation Day is celebrated on the first weekday after Christmas Day or the Christmas Day holiday. [22]
Who celebrates Boxing Day?
Boxing Day, in Great Britain and some Commonwealth countries, particularly Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, holiday (December 26) on which servants, tradespeople, and the poor traditionally were presented with gifts. By the 21st century it had become a day associated with shopping and sporting events.
Is Boxing Day a Catholic holiday?
Boxing Day is also concurrent with the Catholic holiday Saint Stephen's Day....Boxing DayObserved byCommonwealth nationsTypeBank holiday, public holidayDate26 DecemberFrequencyAnnual3 more rows
What is the tradition behind Boxing Day?
The name comes from a time when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants - a day when they received a special Christmas box from their masters. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give Christmas boxes to their families.
Is Boxing Day a cultural holiday?
The origins of Boxing Day Though historians disagree on the exact origin of Boxing Day, it is thought to have grown out of longstanding British traditions of charitable giving and goodwill—practices especially associated with the Christian festival of Saint Stephen's Day, which is celebrated on December 26.
What do Catholics call Boxing Day?
Saint Stephen's Day, also called the Feast of Saint Stephen, is a Christian saint's day to commemorate Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr or protomartyr, celebrated on 26 December in Western Christianity and 27 December in Eastern Christianity.
Does everyone celebrate Boxing Day?
Boxing Day takes place on December 26th and is only celebrated in a few countries; mainly ones historically connected to the UK (such as Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand) and in some European countries.
Can you say Merry Christmas on Boxing Day?
None is incorrect. In fact, you can say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy New Year" at any point during the entire year, and still be grammatically correct!
Do you say Happy Boxing Day?
If you do encounter someone, the traditional greeting is “Happy Boxing Day.” Some citizens have begun saying, “Happy Containers-of-All-Kinds Day,” in an attempt at inclusiveness.
Who started Boxing Day?
BBC explains that Boxing Day got its name when Queen Victoria held the throne in the 1800s, and is borne out of the tradition of wealthy families boxing up gifts to give to the poor.
Which Caribbean countries celebrate Boxing Day?
Five Ways Boxing Day Is Celebrated In The CaribbeanNews Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Dec. 26, 2018: Unlike here in the U.S., the day after Christmas is celebrated in the Caribbean as in most British former colonies as Boxing Day.Bermuda.Belize.Turks and Caicos.Barbados, BVI, Antigua.
How do you wish someone a Boxing Day?
50 Happy Boxing Day Greetings and WishesHappy Boxing Day! ... This Boxing Day, stay rooted in joy and gratitude and your optimism will surely be contagious!May the glow of the Christmas tree and the company of loved ones warm your heart this Boxing Day.More items...•
Is Boxing Day celebrated in the Caribbean?
Today, that tradition has grown into an annual celebration of black Caribbean Garifuna culture: the wild and colorful street carnival, Junkanoo. The festivities kick off on Boxing Day and continue into the new year.
Why is Boxing Day celebrated in Massachusetts?
Weld declared every 26 December is Boxing Day, in response to the efforts of a coalition of British citizens to "transport the English tradition to the United States", but not an employee holiday.
Where did Boxing Day originate?
It originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire. Boxing Day is on 26 December, although the attached bank holiday or public holiday may take place either on that day or one or two days later (if necessary to ensure it falls on a weekday).
Why do churches put alms in boxes?
The tradition may come from a custom in the late Roman/early Christian era wherein alms boxes placed in churches were used to collect special offerings tied to the Feast of Saint Stephen, which, in the Western Christian Churches, falls on the same day as Boxing Day, the second day of Christmastide.
What is Boxing Day in New Zealand?
In East Donegal and Inishowen, the day is also popularly known as Boxing Day. In New Zealand, Boxing Day is a statutory holiday. On these holidays, people who must work receive 1 1/2 times their salaries and a day in lieu is provided to employees who work.
Why do people collect Christmas boxes?
In Britain, it was a custom for tradesmen to collect "Christmas boxes" of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year. This is mentioned in Samuel Pepys ' diary entry for 19 December 1663. This custom is linked to an older British tradition where the servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families since they would have had to serve their masters on Christmas Day. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses, and sometimes leftover food. Until the late 20th century there continued to be a tradition among many in the UK to give a Christmas gift, usually cash, to vendors, although not on Boxing Day as many would not work on that day.
What is the meaning of the word "boxing day"?
For the genus of shrubs, see Sarcococca. For other uses, see Boxing Day (disambiguation). Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide. Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday.
Which countries play Boxing Day cricket?
In Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, Test cricket matches are played on Boxing Day. For more details see Boxing Day Test. In Australia, the first day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race are on Boxing Day.
How to celebrate Boxing Day?
Holidays, such as Boxing Day, can be used for the glory of God. Instead of merely celebrating with the traditions that you and your family have done every year, consider introducing some new traditions that reach out to others with encouragement and with the gospel. Even if Boxing Day isn’t a traditional holiday where you come from, perhaps consider incorporating the idea of giving to those in need and thanking those who serve into your Christmastime celebrations. In doing so you will show others the love of Christ and open up doors to share with them the real meaning of the season— Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given to this world.
What is the significance of Boxing Day?
Historically, Boxing Day was likely about recognizing those who serve and thanking them for their service. Again, this is biblical. First Timothy 5:18 says, “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’” This Scripture teaches that appropriate pay and recognition of those who work and serve is important. Boxing Day is a great day to do what we should be doing all year long, expressing our appreciation for those who serve. This would be a great time to honor your pastor or a missionary or military family and thank them for the hard work they do every single day.
Where did Boxing Day originate?
The origins of Boxing Day are somewhat debated. The most likely story dates back hundreds of years to Britain. One version says that on December 26 wealthy families would give their servants and tradespeople a gratuity of either money or a “Christmas box” full of food and gifts to thank them for their service and for working all day Christmas Day. According to another tradition, churches would set up boxes to be filled with gifts on Christmas Day, which would then be distributed to the poor the following day. Regardless of which tradition is correct, each of these stories shows that Boxing Day had its origin in gift-giving to others.
When is Boxing Day?
If you’re an American reader, you’re probably not familiar with the holiday Boxing Day. This holiday takes place on December 26, the day after Christmas. It is usually characterized by time spent visiting family, eating Christmas day leftovers, and shopping for some great deals. But this bears little correlation to the historical day.
Is Boxing Day a Black Friday?
In Canada, the UK, and some Australian states, Boxing Day is a shopping extravaganza with deals similar to American Black Friday. In some places lines begin forming hours before the stores open. Boxing Week sales have even replaced Boxing Day sales in some areas to make a whole week of sales.
What is the day after Christmas?
The Day after Christmas. Boxing Day is December 26, the day after Christmas, and is celebrated in Great Britain and in most areas settled by the English (the U.S. is the major exception), including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
When are the Church Alms Boxes distributed?
Another theory is that the boxes placed in churches where parishioners deposited coins for the poor were opened and the contents distributed on December 26, which is also the Feast of St. Stephen.
What is the holiday of December 26th?
Traditional English holiday extends Christmas giving. Despite its name, Boxing Day, which is celebrated on December 26 in Great Britain, has nothing to do with pugilistic competition. Nor is it a day for people to return unwanted Christmas presents. While the exact origins of the holiday are obscure, it is likely that Boxing Day began in England ...
Why did the servants of Christmas Day work on Christmas Day?
Some historians say the holiday developed because servants were required to work on Christmas Day, but took the following day off. As servants prepared to leave to visit their families, their employers would present them with gift boxes.
Is Boxing Day a bank holiday?
Boxing Day is just one of the British bank holidays recognized since 1871 that are observed by banks, government offices, and the post office. The others include Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Whitmonday (the day after Pentecost ), and the banking holiday on the last Monday in August.
Where do you celebrate Boxing Day?
Wherever you’d like. But it’s really recognized in Great Britain and former British colonies , like Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
What is the point of Boxing Day?
It became such a standard practice that in 1871, a new holiday was born. It coincides with St. Stephen’s Day, a Christian holiday with similar themes of charity. When Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s observed on the following Monday.
Why do churches give out boxes for Christmas?
Another theory is that churches put out boxes for people to give money to the poor, and the money was distributed the day after Christmas.
Is Boxing Day a Christian holiday?
It coincides with St. Stephen’s Day, a Christian holiday with similar themes of charity. When Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s observed on the following Monday.
Football
Christmas Day now na football-free zone, but dis no be how e dey happun before.
Groove and food!
For Nigeria, Boxing Day for many na day to groove afta all di cooking and receiving visitors on Christmas Day.
Christmas Day
Happy Christmas Day dey celebrated by mainly Christians in most of di kontris in di world with a view to celebrating di birth of Jesus Christ.
Overview
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide (26 December). Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday. It originated in Great Britain and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire. The attached bank holiday or publi…
Etymology
There are competing theories for the origins of the term, none of which is definitive.
The European tradition of giving money and other gifts to those in need, or in service positions, has been dated to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is unknown; it may reference the alms box placed in the narthex of Christian churches to collect donations for the poor. The tradition may come from a custom in the late Roman/early Christian era wherein alms boxes placed in churche…
Date
In recent years, the day after Christmas Day, 26 December, is termed "Boxing Day" even when this falls on Sunday, though traditionally Monday 27 December would be Boxing Day. Saint Stephen's Day, a religious holiday, also falls on 26 December.
Unlike the contemporary understanding of Boxing Day itself, the bank holiday or public holiday associated with the observance always falls on a weekday. Where 26 December falls on a Satur…
Status by country
In Australia, Boxing Day is a public holiday in all jurisdictions except the state of South Australia, where a public holiday known as Proclamation Day is celebrated on the first weekday after Christmas Day or the Christmas Day holiday. Both the Boxing Day Test cricket match held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race begin on Boxing Day.
In Canada, Boxing Day (French: le Lendemain de Noël) is a federal statutory holiday. Governmen…
Shopping
In the UK, Canada, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and New Zealand, Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday. Boxing Day sales are common and shops often allow dramatic price reductions. For many merchants, Boxing Day has become the day of the year with the greatest revenue. In the UK, it was estimated in 2009 that up to 12 million shoppers appeared at the sales (a rise …
Sport
In the United Kingdom, it is traditional for all top-tier football leagues in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – the Premier League, the Scottish Premiership, and the NIFL Premiership – and the lower ones, as well as the rugby leagues, to hold a full programme of football matches on Boxing Day. Originally, matches on Boxing Day were played against local rivals to avoid teams and their fans havin…
Boxing Day Tsunami
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami occurred the day after Christmas, and therefore has been referred to as "the Boxing Day Tsunami".
External links
• The Origins of Boxing Day at Snopes
History of Boxing Day
Boxing Day Today
- Boxing Day is still celebrated, often as a statutory public holiday, today in many countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other British Commonwealth countries. Although there is still some gratuity-giving on Boxing Day to those who work in service occupations, the day is largely not about giving anymore. Just like there is American football on …
Esteeming Others
- The historical Boxing Day ties in easily with a biblical worldview. By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul wrote in Philippians, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3–4). We are commanded to put others above ourselves b…
Recognizing Those Who Serve
- Historically, Boxing Day was likely about recognizing those who serve and thanking them for their service. Again, this is biblical. First Timothy 5:18says, “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’” This Scripture teaches that appropriate pay and recognition of th...
Holidays For God’s Glory
- Holidays, such as Boxing Day, can be used for the glory of God. Instead of merely celebrating with the traditions that you and your family have done every year, consider introducing some new traditions that reach out to others with encouragement and with the gospel. Even if Boxing Day isn’t a traditional holiday where you come from, perhaps consider incorporating the idea of givin…