As
the most popular football league in the world, the English Premier League (EPL) attracts fans from all corners of the globe. One of the highlights of the EPL calendar is the festive period, which has its own unique set of quirks and traditions. This article will delve into some of the lesser-known facts about the EPL during the Christmas period.
1. The Famous Boxing Day Fixtures Boxing Day is a national holiday in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and it coincides with one of the busiest days in the EPL calendar. The day after Christmas is a time for families to spend together, and what better way to do that than to head to the football stadium and watch your favorite team play? The tradition of Boxing Day fixtures dates back over a century, and it's become part of English football folklore. The Prime Minister typically attends the Boxing Day game at home of the reigning champions, and the day is always full of excitement and anticipation.
2. St. Stephen's Day While Boxing Day is better known in England, St. Stephen's Day is the equivalent public holiday in Ireland. This day, also known as the Day of the Wren or Wren Day, is steeped in ancient mythology, and it's customary to go on a wren hunt, dressed in straw costumes, and carry a dead wren from door to door. It's said that this tradition dates back to pagan times when the wren was considered a sacred bird. In the EPL, St. Stephen's Day is also celebrated with a full round of fixtures, giving Irish football fans the perfect excuse to forget about the wren hunt and head to the stadium instead.
3. The Christmas Tree Ball One of the most enduring traditions of the EPL Christmas period is the Christmas Tree Ball. This is a ball made entirely of fir branches, decorated with tinsel and ornaments, that is kicked around between team members. It's said to have originated in the early 1900s, and it's still played today, although it's more of a lighthearted tradition than a serious competition. It's a fun way for players to bond and relax during what is often a busy and stressful period of the season.
4. The Festive Run-In The EPL's festive period is unique in that it sees teams play a large number of games over a short period of time. This makes it a crucial period of the season, and it's often the time when the table begins to take shape. Teams that are able to pick up points during this period can gain valuable momentum for the second half of the season. However, injuries and fatigue can also take their toll, and some teams struggle to cope with the demands of the festive run-in.
5. The Golden Goal Another unique feature of the EPL's festive period is the Golden Goal. This is a rule that was introduced in 2002, and it means that if a game is tied after 90 minutes, the first team to score in extra time wins the match. This adds an extra layer of drama to games during the festive period, as teams are often evenly matched and there's a real sense of excitement when the game heads into extra time. In conclusion, the EPL's festive period is a unique and special time of year for football fans. From the Boxing Day fixtures to the Christmas Tree Ball, there's a real sense of tradition and excitement that permeates the league during this period. While the festive run-in can be a stressful time for teams, it's also an opportunity to gain valuable momentum and set the tone for the second half of the season. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there's something special about English football during the Christmas period.