The History of Boxing Day

Boxing day is an occasion steeped in tradition, but with the excitement of Christmas and the build up to New Year the day often gets lost amongst never-ending celebrations. In fact, many of us aren’t even aware of the historical significance of its rather peculiar name.

Contrary to popular belief, boxing day has nothing to do with boxing. The name actually refers to a historical tradition of gift giving , when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts from their superiors, known as a ‘Christmas box’. The tradition dates back to the middle ages, when money and other gifts were given to those in need on the 26th December.

The day takes on different names across the globe. In South Africa Boxing Day was renamed to Day of Goodwill in 1994. In Ireland it is St. Stephen’s Day (Lá Fhéile Stiofáin) or the Day of the Wren. The lucky inhabitants…