Why is Boxing Day called Boxing Day

Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants, their master would give them a box to take with them. It used to hold gifts, a bonus and sometimes ...

Sailing ships when setting sail would have a sealed box containing money on board for good luck. It used to hold gifts, a bonus and sometimes leftovers. The Victorians were the ones who made Boxing Day a Bank Holiday in 1871. Traditionally there was a box to collect money for the poor placed in Churches on Christmas day and opened the next day - Boxing Day aka St Stephen's Day. - Funny enough it has nothing to do with Boxing, instead, there's a confusing mix of traditions that kickstarted the day.

Boxing Day has been celebrated as a holiday in Britain since the 19th Century.

Coincidentally enough, the money would be stored in a box, further adding to the Boxing Day moniker. However, in these countries, the holiday is usually treated as a shopping event like Black Friday and marks a day when sales kick-off. ["The future used to be exciting... The tradition at the time dictated that servants could have the day off (an extremely rare occurrence in those days). They would also receive hand-selected presents from their masters as a way of showing gratitude for their services. Taking place on Monday, December 26, the holiday has been officially celebrated since 1871.

Today, December 26, is known as Boxing Day, with many people associating the day with different things. Some people hit the shops for the Boxing Day sales, ...

In some European countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands, Boxing Day is celebrated as a second Christmas Day. Today, December 26, is known as Boxing Day, with many people associating the day with different things. Firstly, it is nothing to do with the sport of boxing. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give Christmas boxes to their families. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term “Boxing Day” dates from the mid-18th century, and refers to the practice of giving tradespeople like postmen and servants “Christmas boxes” following Christmas Day. Some people hit the shops for the Boxing Day sales, while others will go for a walk after some festive indulgence, or cosy up on the couch and watch films or football.

Australia South Africa Cricket Teams on the field. South African players sing their national anthem ahead of play in the second cricket test between South ...

India has played Boxing Day Test matches in Australia in 1985, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2020. Football and cricket matches are scheduled to take place, in hopes that this would improve the events’ viewership as it is a public holiday. According to Australia Broadcasting Corporation, the history can be traced back to how in 1892, the stadium hosted a Sheffield Shield match which started a tradition of Christmas period clashes between Victoria and New South Wales. Countries such as the UK and Australia see public holidays on the day as well. Others believe it comes from the post-Christmas custom of churches placing boxes outside their doors to collect money for distribution to less-fortunate members of society in need of Christmas cheer. It was particularly important as many countries in the Global North see biting temperatures prevail.