[Ivar_Haglund]

what is it and what does it have  to do with boxes?


IVAR  

[LTT Leathercare]

Hello

Traditionally this was the day that the masters gave the servants their Christmas 'Boxes'.  As the servants would be working (very hard) on Christmas Day this was their day off.  Probably also why we all eat left overs cold on boxing day.

Hope this helps and hope you had a happy Christmas break.

Regards
Judy

[Neil Mc Anulty]

Hi Judy
I thought Boxing Day was when everybody is still partying from early on Christmas Day. They then go for a night on the tiles and alot of people end up Boxing.

Unfortunately this seems to be the tradition in my town and is why I enjoy the Home comforts over the festive season.

Happy New Year All

[Ken Wainwright]

Over the years, the origins of many traditions become corrupted and we can then never be sure of the true reasons. Judy's explanation is the one I tend to believe. But the most popular explanation I've heard over the years was that the 26th December was traditionally the BIG day in the calendar for prize fighting (Boxing Matches). Not strictly the same in modern Britain, but many football fans try to keep the tradition alive

This year is the first that I can remember that the 26th Dec. falling on a Sunday has been called Boxing Day. In the past, it was always moved to the 27th December, as in my explanation above. Professional sport was not allowed on the Sabbath. I have 2 identical diaries on my desk from the same publisher. 2004 lists Sunday 26/12/04 as St Stephens Day only and nothing on 27th. The 2005 version shows Monday 26/12/2005 as Boxing Day and St Stephens Day.

Is it true that in Ireland, they just call it St Stephen's Day?

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[Nobby]

I agree with Judy but I'ts also thought it may be the day that Church collection boxes were opened and the money distributed to the poor.

Nobby

[Neil Mc Anulty]

Hi Ken
It is traditionally known as St Stephens Day,  to those involved in Religion. As Religion is not as popular as it once was in Ireland and to the younger generations it is more commonly known as Boxing Day.

 It is quite Ironic the title Boxing Day , Conidering the high number of pointless,drink fuelled assaults that "traditonally" occur on Boxing Nite.

[Len Gribble]

This site may help

http://www.ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/boxingday.html

Also think they changed it to boxing day as St. Stephen was a pope at some time, would not look good having a day of for him and not the English patron saint?

Len