What is the story behind Boxing Day?

What is the story 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, and the 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.

Why do they call the day after Christmas Boxing Day?

Why is it called Boxing Day? The moniker comes from the tradition of “Christmas boxes,” gifts of money or goods given to tradespeople and servants on the day after Christmas.

Who started Boxing Day?

the United Kingdom
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 the United Kingdom and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire.

Is Boxing Day on the 28th this year?

Bank holidays might affect how and when your benefits are paid….Upcoming bank holidays in England and Wales.

27 December Monday Christmas Day (substitute day)
28 December Tuesday Boxing Day (substitute day)

What’s the history of Boxing Day in England?

Boxing Day History. Boxing Day is a holiday that serves to remember the old practice of giving boxes on the day after Christmas. The practice of Boxing Day was first mentioned in English Member of Parliament Samuel Pepys’ diary entry from December 19th 1663, when he referred to “giving something to the boy’ box against Christmas”.

Why is December 26 known as Boxing Day?

December 26 is not only a day for Santa Claus to catch his breath but a public holiday known as Boxing Day in the United Kingdom and other British Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand. In spite of its peculiar name, Boxing Day has nothing to do with fisticuffs,…

Who is the patron saint of Boxing Day?

When December 26 comes on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is designated as the official public holiday. December 26 is also the feast day of St. Stephen ( St. Stephen’s Day ), the patron saint of horses, and Boxing Day has come to be a day of sporting events, including horse races, foxhunting, and rugby.

When does Boxing Day fall on a Sunday in Australia?

If Boxing Day falls on a Sunday, a compensation day is given on the next weekday. 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.

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