Box
ing Day is a holiday celebrated on the day after Christmas Day, which is observed in several countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Despite its name, Boxing Day doesn't have anything to do with the sport of boxing. In this article, we'll explore some cold facts and interesting trivia related to this holiday.
1. The Origin of Boxing Day There are several theories about the origin of Boxing Day, but none of them is definitive. The most plausible explanation is that it was a custom among the wealthy and aristocratic families in England to give their servants a Christmas box or gift on the day after Christmas as a thank you for their services throughout the year. The boxes were most likely made of wood or clay and contained money, food, or clothing.
2. Not an Official Public Holiday in the US Although Boxing Day is a public holiday in most Commonwealth countries, it's not recognized as a national holiday in the United States. However, it's still celebrated in parts of the US, particularly in areas with large British expat populations.
3. Boxing Day Sales Boxing Day marks the start of the post-Christmas sales in many countries, with retailers offering discounts and bargains to shoppers. In the UK, Canada, and Australia, Boxing Day is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with big crowds fighting for deals.
4. A Day for Giving to Charity In some countries, such as Canada, Boxing Day is also a day for giving to charity. Many people make donations to charitable organizations or volunteer their time to help others in need. The tradition of giving to the poor dates back to medieval times, when it was common for churches to open their alms-boxes on Boxing Day and distribute the contents to the poor.
5. Different Names in Different Countries While Boxing Day is the common name for the day after Christmas in the UK and many other Commonwealth countries, it's known by different names in other parts of the world. In Ireland, it's called St. Stephen's Day, and it's celebrated with parades, wren hunts, and other festive activities. In South Africa, it's called the Day of Goodwill, and it's a day for reconciliation and forgiveness.
6. A Sporting Day Boxing Day, bizarrely, is also a significant sporting day. It's a traditional day for football matches in the UK, with many top division games taking place. Other sports, such as horse racing and cricket, also hold prominent events on Boxing Day in the UK and other countries.
7. Ghosts and Spirits Another curious aspect of Boxing Day is its association with ghosts and spirits. In Victorian England, it was believed that Boxing Day was a day when ghosts and spirits were more likely to be seen. Therefore, it became a tradition to tell ghost stories and perform supernatural plays or pantomimes on Boxing Day.
8. Queen's Speech In the UK, it's also a tradition for the Queen to give a speech on Boxing Day. The speech, which is broadcast on television and radio, usually covers topics of national importance and reflects on the events of the past year. In conclusion, Boxing Day is a fascinating holiday with a variety of traditions and customs associated with it. From its origin as a gift-giving day for servants to its association with shopping, charity, sports, and ghosts, Boxing Day is a unique and important part of the cultural heritage of many nations.