What is Boxing Day? All about the celebration’s origin and traditions
Boxing Day is a traditional British holiday after Christmas and an extension of the celebrations. People in countries such as Canada, the UK and South Africa spend an extra day shopping with friends or watching sports.
Andrew McLean and his wife moved to the United States from Manchester about 25 years ago. They take their holiday celebrations across the pond, hosting Boxing Day parties every year.
“We enjoy America. We love being here,” he said. “But there are a lot of things we miss about Britain. Boxing Day is probably in the top ten.”
What is Boxing Day?
The United Kingdom, its Commonwealth countries and some former colonies celebrate Boxing Day on December 26.
Stores launch Black Friday-like shopping deals and fans cheer for sporting events such as football, cricket, rugby, horse racing and hunting.
McLean says hosting a Boxing Day party is also a great way to use up some Christmas food. Turkey is a traditional British Christmas meal, and on Boxing Day many people enjoy turkey curry. Another classic Boxing Day dish is “bubble and squeak,” or fried leftover potatoes and vegetables like cabbage or Brussels sprouts.
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Why is it called Boxing Day? What is its origin?
There are two main theories as to where this holiday begins.
Some people reportedly believe that Boxing Day begins with alms boxes in churches collecting donations from parishioners. Encyclopedia Britannica. church meeting Give The boxes donate money to the poor the day after Christmas.
The name has stuck, but now, people typically donate to charity in the weeks leading up to the holiday.
Others believe that this day is celebrated because servants have to work during Christmas dinners and festivities, so they celebrate the holiday on December 26th. history networkAfter the party, the lords and nobles would give their servants “Christmas boxes” filled with leftovers and small gifts, hence the name “Boxing Day”.
Employers still pay bonuses to service workers during the holidays, just as leftovers are still part of today’s festivities.
The third theory is based on pauseIt was a British naval ship that would seal a box of money at the beginning of a long voyage, and at the end a chaplain would open the box and donate the money to those in need.
Other theories about the name include a bare-knuckle boxing match that took place the day after Christmas, or that many people returned boxes containing unwanted gifts that day, McLean said.
Is Boxing Day a statutory holiday?
Yes, Boxing Day is a public or bank holiday recognized in the UK and other countries. In the 1800s it was made an official British holiday. If December 26 falls on a weekend, it will be postponed to the following Monday. In 2024, it’s Thursday, and in 2025, it’s Friday.
Where to celebrate?
It is celebrated in Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand, but also in some former colonies such as South Africa and Hong Kong make out holiday.
However, people can celebrate anywhere, and the McLean Party proved that. Although some of their American friends are off to work on the 26th, people gather at home in the evening for a lively pub quiz, delicious leftovers and mulled wine.
Is Boxing Day the same as St. Stephen’s Day?
Not necessarily, since St. Stephen’s Day is a religious holiday, but the two are linked and recognized on the same day. Christians celebrate St. Stephen’s Day to commemorate the first Christian martyr known for his help to the poor and charitable work. St. Stephen’s Day is more widely recognized in the following countries: Ireland and other European countries.
Why don’t Americans recognize Boxing Day?
The United States is one of the few English-speaking countries that does not recognize Boxing Day. The main reason Americans don’t celebrate is that the country is not part of the Commonwealth, and the holiday was not officially recognized until 1871, nearly a century after the United States gained its independence.
What sporting events are on Boxing Day this year?
Unlike the United States, where Americans can look forward to NBA games on Christmas Day, Boxing Day is the day when games drop in the UK.
Eight Premier League football matches will be played on December 26. At GMT, the competition is:
- Manchester City vs Everton 12:30
- Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace15:00
- Chelsea vs Fulham15:00
- Newcastle vs Aston Villa15:00
- Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur 15:00
- Southampton vs West Ham United15:00
- Wolves vs Manchester United17:30
- Liverpool vs Leicester City20:00
this BKT United Rugby Championship The match between Dragons and Cardiff Rugby will be played at 17:15 GMT. Two other rugby matches will also be played. At the same time, five cricket match Get ready to compete.
11 race There was also a queue on Boxing Day.
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McLean emphasized the joy of sharing British culture with American friends.
“Just, it’s a great thing to be able to bring people together and not just on a day that everyone is celebrating.”
