Friday 26 December 2008

Boxing Day

Do you know why Boxing Day is called "Boxing Day"?

Boxing Day dates back to past centuries when it was the custom for the wealthy to give gifts to employees or to people in a lower social class, most especially to household servants and other service personnel. As with Christmas itself, some elements of Boxing Day are also likely related to, and ultimately derived from, the ancient Roman Saturnalia, which also had elements of gift giving and social role reversal. The name 'Boxing Day' originates from the tradition of putting gifts in boxes for the less fortunate.

Although, given the state of my house yesterday with boxes everywhere after I'd been shopping, you could have been forgiven for thinking its meaning was more literal!

1 comment:

  1. We don't have boxing day here, but happy day to you!

    hugs-
    Patience

    ReplyDelete

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