Why is it called Boxing Day?

By The Editor 26th Dec 2020

Happy Boxing Day!
Happy Boxing Day!

Happy Boxing Day one and all!

Hope you are enjoying those Christmas presents and turkey leftovers.

Have you ever wondered why Boxing Day is called Boxing Day? Well, look no further as we have scoured the history books for the answers.

It is thought to date back to the Middle Ages when boxes of presents were given to servants by the masters.

This tradition also extends to just giving boxes to people in need.

The day also has religious connections and is celebrated as Saint Stephen's Day in Ireland and the Catalonia region of Spain.

There is also an element of Boxing Day that may come from a nautical tradition.

When setting sail, ships would carry a sealed box containing money for good luck.

If the voyage was a success, the box was given to a priest, opened at Christmas, and the contents then given to the poor.

Boxing Day tends to be celebrated across Europe and is probably better known these days for Turkey sandwiches and a lot of football!

     

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