Boxing Day? What's that?

by Pierre Grange (level B2)

Firstly, let's correct a common mistake: Boxing Day has nothing to do with boxing, the sport. 

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th.

It has been a public holiday since 1871 in many English-speaking countries.

The tradition is to show charity and distribute gifts to those who are less fortunate on this day. 

But since the beginning of the 21st century, "Boxing Day" has primarily referred to a day when many shoppers rush to stores to buy discounted clothing.

This day is often compared to Black Friday.

For the past 25 years, the first day of the winter sales in Great Britain

has begun on December 26th.

 The exact origins of this public holiday are still uncertain.

Many people celebrate this day without knowing its true origins. 

The first explanation refers to a religious origin.

Stephen, known as the first Christian martyr,

was chosen by the apostles to distribute alms to the poor.

 For a long time, the idea of charity and almsgiving has been associated with December 26th, the feast day of Saint Stephen. 

Another theory suggests that Boxing Day originated in the 15th century, the Age of Discovery, a period during which maritime expeditions were numerous. During these travels, many superstitious sailors carried a box containing money as a token of protection for their adventures.

This box remained closed until their return.

If, by chance, they returned safe from their travels, the box and its offerings were given to the village priests, who distributed them to the poorest members of the community. 

Around the same time, many English-speaking churches also provided an offering box where pilgrims and other visitors can leave money.

This box remained closed until December 26th.

 

 Alms (donations, money for the poor) were gathered in the churches' donation boxes

and gifted to the poor, on December 26th, the Boxing Day.

 Other sources dispute the religious origins of December 26th and maintain that this commemoration originated in the 19th century within upper-class society. 

Traditionally, aristocrats allowed their servants to take the day after Christmas off to enjoy time with family and friends.

Before leaving, the host gave them a box filled with gifts and food, most often, the leftovers from Christmas dinner.

 All these stories are said to be the origin of the famous "Boxing Day". 

Furthermore, Boxing Day is also a special day for sportsmen.

Indeed, tradition demands that British football teams (but not only football) play on December 26th.

 

This tradition is now spreading throughout Europe, and particularly in France with rugby matches.

For more information, here is a short video in French about Boxing Day.

And one in English here. 

And there you have it! 

Now we know a little more about the famous Boxing Day.

 

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas time!