The Boxing Day

Question

Hi everyone  Today is the Boxing day (26th of December) And I don't know why the English call this day in this way. Is it a special Chrismas day too? I have a lot of curiosity, I'd be grateful If you told me )) Thanks.

Samsan · Accepted Answer

hi, Maria!!
Christmas Day celebrations have added on another day called Boxing Day. Boxing Day is a national holiday and another day to spend with family and friends and eating up the leftovers but its origins are steeped in history and tradition.

When is Boxing Day?:

Boxing Day is the 26th December and is a national holiday in the UK and Ireland.

Why is it Called Boxing Day:

Arguments abound on the origins of the name Boxing Day.

A ‘Christmas Box’ in Britain is a name for a Christmas present.
Boxing Day was a day off for servants and when they received a ‘Christmas Box’ from the master. The servants would also go home to give ‘Christmas Boxes’ to their families.
A box to collect money for the poor was placed in Churches on Christmas day then opened the next day.
Great sailing ships when setting sail would have a sealed box containing money on board for good luck.If the voyage were a success the box was given to a priest, opened at Christmas and the contents given to the poor.

Activities on Boxing Day:

Boxing Day is a time to spend with family or friends, usually those not seen on Christmas Day itself.

In recent times the day has become synonymous with sport. Horse racing is particularly popular with meets all over the country. Many top football teams also play on Boxing Day.

Boxing Day is also a time when the British show their true eccentricity taking part in all kinds of silly activities like swimming the English Channel - not the warmest place on December 26th - fun runs and charity events.

Activities on Boxing Day - Fox Hunting:

Until 2004, Boxing Day hunts were a traditional part of Boxing Day but the ban on fox hunting has put an end to the hunt in its traditional sense. Hunters will still gather dressed resplendently in red hunting coats to the sound of the hunting horn but it is now forbidden in law to chase the fox with dogs, so the dogs now follow artificially laid trails.

The New Boxing Day Sport - Shopping:

Another ‘sport’ to emerge in recent years is shopping. Sadly what was once a day of relaxation and family time sees the start of the sales. Sales used to start in January post-New Year but the desire to grab a bargain and for shops to off-load stock means many now start on Boxing Day.

Boxing Day in Ireland:

In Ireland, Boxing Day is known as "St Stephen's Day" and is famous for its "Wren Boys". St Stephen was killed, purportedly stoned to death, for believing in Jesus. In Ireland the Wren Boys would go out and stone Wrens to death then with blackened faces, carry their catch around the town knocking at doors and asking for money. This barbaric act has now stopped but the Wrens Boys will still dress up and parade around time though, but collecting money for charity.

Food and Drink on Boxing Day:

With guests often popping in for a snack and quick drink, the food and drink on Boxing Day is more relaxed than Christmas Day. Lunch will usually be a buffet or leftovers from Christmas lunch. http://britishfood.about.com/od/recipeindex/r/glazedham.htm is a popular Boxing Day meat and of course, http://britishfood.about.com/od/christmasrecipes/r/mincepies.htms with http://britishfood.about.com/od/recipeindex/r/brandybutter.htm or a slice of http://britishfood.about.com/od/christmasrecipes/r/xmascake.htm are almost obligatory.

Mroldan · Answer

Oh! Thank you a lot! I have now the whole information! hahaha

I had a lot of intrigue you can't imagine. I was talking about that with my holland teacher and we did know nothing about it. Thanks again

)

Samsan · Answer

you are most welcome!! <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Khoff · Answer

Many years ago, my sister and I were visiting the U.K. and got stuck in Cardiff for an extra night because we didn't realize that trains did not run on Boxing Day. Someone said to us, "My dear girls -- British trains have not run on Boxing Day since before America was a country!"

(We don't have Boxing Day in the U.S.)

MAHAD · Answer

I am asking : does this name correct , BRITAIN ENGLISH INSTITUTE

BarbaraPA · Answer

MAHAD I am asking : does this name correct , BRITAIN ENGLISH INSTITUTE

Do not try to take over a thread by asking a question that does not relate to the subject.
There is a new thread on this topic that has been answered.

Mroldan · Answer

That's curious

D I can imagine it haha. It should be a special day in UK, I have to know it when I come back. Thanks for sharing your experience

Samsan · Answer

this is really interesting..<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

The Boxing Day

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When is Boxing Day?:

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