What is boxing day? Everything related to the origin of the celebration and its traditions

Boxing Day, the traditional British holiday celebrated the day after Christmas, offers an extension of the festivities. People in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa spend an extra day with friends, shopping or watching sports.

Andrew McLean and his wife moved to the US from Manchester nearly 25 years ago. They brought the holiday celebration with them across the pond and host a Boxing Day party every year.

“We enjoyed America. We love being here,” he said. “But there are a lot of things we miss in Britain. Boxing Day is probably in the top 10.”

What is boxing day?

Boxing Day is celebrated on 26 December by the United Kingdom, Commonwealth countries and some former colonies.

Stores hold shopping deals, similar to Black Friday, and fans cheer on sporting events such as football, cricket, rugby, horse racing and hunting.

McLean said hosting a Boxing Day party is also a great way to finish off some Christmas food. Turkey is a traditional British Christmas meal, and on Christmas Day, many enjoy a curried turkey dish. Another classic Boxing Day dish is bubble and squeak, or leftover fries and greens such as cabbage or Brussels sprouts.

Why is it called Boxing Day and what are its origins?

There are two main theories about where the holiday began.

Some believe that Boxing Day began with churches collecting alms boxes from parishioners’ donated money, according to The Verge. Britannica. The church will Gives These donation boxes are for the poor the day after Christmas.

The name stuck, but now, people typically donate to charities in the weeks before the holidays.

Others believe that this day was celebrated because servants had to work for Christmas dinners and celebrations, so they celebrated the holiday on December 26. History.comLords and aristocrats would give their servants “Christmas boxes” filled with leftovers and small gifts after parties, giving rise to the name “Boxing Day.”

Employers still give service workers bonuses on holidays, just as leftovers are still part of the festivities today.

The third theory, according to time outIt is that British naval ships would close a box of money at the beginning of the long voyage, and at the end the priests would open the boxes and donate money to those in need.

Other theories about the name include bare-knuckle boxing matches that occurred the day after Christmas, or that many people return boxes of unwanted gifts on that day, McLean said.

Is Boxing Day an official holiday?

Yes, Boxing Day is a recognized public or public holiday in the UK and other countries. It became a public holiday in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. If December 26 falls on a weekend, it will be recognized on the following Monday. In 2024, it will fall on Thursday, and in 2025, it will fall on Friday.

Where is it celebrated?

Countries that are part of the British Commonwealth such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand celebrate, but some former colonies such as South Africa and Hong Kong also celebrate recognize Vacation.

However, people can party anywhere, as evidenced by McLean’s party. Although some of their American friends work on the 26th, people gather at their home in the evening for a lively pub quiz, delicious leftovers and mulled wine.

Is Boxing Day the same as Saint Stephen’s Day?

Not necessarily, because St. Stephen’s Day is a religious holiday, but the two are linked and are recognized on the same day. Christians celebrate the Day of Saint Stephen in celebration of the first Christian martyr known for helping the poor and for his charitable work. Saint Stephen’s Day is widely recognized in Ireland And other European countries.

Why don’t Americans celebrate Boxing Day?

The United States is one of the few English-speaking countries that does not recognize Boxing Day. Americans do not celebrate mainly because the country is not part of the British Commonwealth and the holiday was not officially recognized until 1871, nearly a century after the United States gained its independence.

What sporting events are happening on Boxing Day this year?

Unlike the US, where Americans can expect an NBA game on Christmas, Boxing Day is where the competition in the UK falls flat.

Eight Premier League matches are scheduled to be contested on December 26. GMT, the matches are:

• Manchester City vs Everton at 12:30 pm
• Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace, 15:00
• Chelsea vs Fulham at 15:00
• Newcastle vs Aston Villa at 15:00
• Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham at 15:00
• Southampton vs West Ham at 15:00
• Wolverhampton vs. Manchester United at 17:30
• Liverpool vs Leicester City at 20:00

the BKT United Rugby Championship The Dragons and Cardiff Rugby clash will take place at 17:15 GMT. Two other rugby matches will also be contested. Meanwhile, five Cricket matches They are set to compete.

11 Horse racing Also lined up for Boxing Day.

McLean stressed the joy of sharing British culture with American friends.

“It’s great to be able to bring people together, not just on days when everyone is celebrating.”