What is Boxing day?
It originated in the United Kingdom.
a y agoMAUREEN KINYANJUINews
HILLARY BETT
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, is an extension of the Christmas holiday observed in countries like Britain, Canada, and others. The tradition is thought to have originated during the Victorian era.
The custom remains popular in other parts of the world. It provides an additional day off for festivities, which often include gift exchanges, shopping, feasting, and enjoying sports.
The exact origins of Boxing Day are somewhat unclear, but the widely accepted explanation traces back to Victorian England.
During Queen Victoria's reign, it became customary for employers to give gifts to their servants, tradespeople, and those in need.
Since servants typically worked on Christmas Day, they were given December 26 off to visit their families. According to historical accounts, members of the upper class would prepare boxes containing leftover food, goods, or money to distribute to the less fortunate.
Another theory suggests that Boxing Day originated from the opening of alms boxes in churches, which were used to collect donations for the poor, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
The date, December 26, also aligns with St. Stephen’s Day, a holiday observed in parts of Europe. Named after the first Christian martyr known for his acts of charity, St. Stephen’s Day emphasizes helping those in need, as noted by the Old Farmer's Almanac.
