The Origin of Boxing Day
The origin of Boxing Day has been debated by many, and there are several plausible stories to explain the reasons behind the holiday. Though not celebrated in the United States, Boxing Day is an official holiday in many other parts of the world.
About Boxing Day
Boxing Day occurs the day after Christmas, on December 26. Countries that recognize this holiday include:
- Canada
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Ireland
- Australia
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Sweden
- Norway
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Kenya
Boxing Day is also celebrated in Hong Kong and South Africa, though it is now called the Day of Goodwill in South Africa.
It is a mandatory holiday, though in recent years it has become known as a day to get good deals at retail shops. Stores open in the early hours of the morning on the 26th of December, hoping to lure shoppers in with deep discounts and other promotions.
Stories About the Origin of Boxing Day
Historically, of course, Boxing Day wasn't known as a shopper's delight. There are a few different ideas as to where the term "boxing" came from in reference to the holiday, but almost everyone agrees that it all started in Britain.
Giving to the Needy
At least as far back as the Middle Ages, it was customary to give to the poor and needy on Boxing Day. Christian churches held a custom of placing metal boxes outside their doors on this day to collect cash and gifts for the downtrodden.
Later, in the 1800s, alms boxes for the poor were opened on December 26, with their contents distributed to those who needed them.
Gifts and Food for Servants
Another common thought as to the origin of Boxing Day is that, in Britain, it used to be the day that wealthy folks would bestow boxes of gifts to their servants and other household staff. The boxes contained personal gifts as well as money and leftover food from the previous night's feast.The servants and staff were then allowed to take the day off from work to see their families, since they had likely spent Christmas making sure their bosses had a flawless holiday.
Gifts for Service Workers
Similar to bestowing gifts to servants is the idea that Boxing Day was traditionally the day that service workers collected their Christmas bonuses. Along with the cash bonuses came gifts, and these were presented in boxes to thank the workers for their service throughout the year.
Misconceptions
A common misconception about Boxing Day is that it was the day that people put away their decorations and took down their trees, placing heirloom items in boxes for the following year. While this explanation would seem to make sense, there is no evidence to suggest that this was ever a tradition common enough to have the day named for it.
Other false assumptions about the reason for Boxing Day include:
- The day to get rid of all the boxes in the house leftover from Christmas gifts and supplies
- The day to return boxes of gifts to the store and exchange them for other items
- Anything to do with the sport of boxing
The Evolution of Boxing Day
No matter which version of the origin of this holiday you accept, the general theme of the day was that those who had power and money would give to those who did not. While the wealthy folks exchanged their gifts on or before Christmas Day, the day after was reserved for those less fortunate or lower on the social class ladder.
These days, Boxing Day has become a day to relax after the hectic rush of Christmas, and before the festivities of New Year's Eve. Savvy shoppers can enjoy a good deal, while others meet up with friends for a leisurely afternoon or simply enjoy some peace and quiet.
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