FIND OUT: What Is Boxing Day, Why Is It Celebrated Yearly On 26th December?

Boxing Day is a centuries-old gift-giving day that originated in Britain. Just as gifts are wrapped in boxes, boxes are a big part of Boxing Day celebration

VerseNews learnt that 26th December of every year which comes after Christmas celebration (25 December) is being declared public holiday to celebrate the Boxing Day.

It is celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries.

How It Started

During the Victorian era (1837–1901, the period of Queen Victoria’s reign), the upper class would box up leftover food, money, or goods and give them to their tradesmen as well as their servants for reliable service all year.

One of the earliest records of these box gifts dates from 1663. In an entry in his diary, English Parliamentarian Samuel Pepys writes that he sent a coach and messenger to his shoemaker to deliver “something to the boys’ box against Christmas” in addition to funds to cover his bill.

The custom arose because servants, who would have to wait on their masters on Christmas Day, had the next day off. They were given gifts from their masters and would go home to visit their families.

In the church, the money in the Alms (charity) boxes was given to the poor. The church parishioners deposited donations into a box the clergyman put out for that purpose and handed it out at Christmas.

St. Stephen’s Day

Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen’s Day. He was known for helping the poor, and he was the first Christian martyr.

Ever heard the Christmas song, “Good King Wenceslas”? Its first line describes the king’s activities on St. Stephen’s day: “Good King Wenceslas looked out/on the feast of Stephen.”

Written by John Mason Neale and first published in 1853, the lyrics celebrate the spirit of Boxing Day—generosity—as it describes King Wenceslas watching a poor man “gath’ring winter fuel.” The king then brings the peasant food and logs for his fire.

How Is Boxing Day Celebrated Today?

Today, Boxing Day is a day off in England and Canada, and just a day to relax after the festivities of Christmas.

In Nigeria, many people use it as a relaxing day, to see their family members or relatives while others see it as extended Christmas day.

Sporting events have taken place on Boxing Day for centuries. Today’s more popular Boxing Day sporting activities include watching horse races and football matches against local rivals.