Boxing Day
Boxing Day is the name given to the day after Christmas Day. It is a Bank Holiday in the U.K.
No-one really knows why it is called 'Boxing Day' but there are a lot of theories about it. The one thing that is common however, is that all of them include a 'Christmas Box' in some form or other, and giving to those in need.
In churches, years ago, there would have been a box for people to put in donations for the poor, on Christmas Day. This was opened the following day and the contents were shared among the poor people of the parish.
Christmas Boxes were used as a good luck charm, on sailing ships, during the Age of Exploration. A small container was placed on a ship by a priest before it set sail from port. Sailors who wanted to be sure of a safe return would put money in the box, which was sealed and kept on board during the voyage. If the ship returned safely the priest would meet the ship, prayers of thanks would be said and the box was handed over to the priest. The priest would then share the money inside, amongst the poor of the parish.
Many years ago, low paid workers were expected to work on Christmas Day. They would be given the next day off so that they could visit their families. On this day the employer would give them a Christmas box to take home.
In large households, with servants, the servants would also work on Christmas Day and be given the next day off to visit their families at home. Surplus food from the 'big table' would be boxed up and given to the servants to take home.
In modern day times, giving a Christmas box is still popular. Nowadays, the term 'Christmas Box' refers to a small gift of money - often given to people such as the dustman, paper delivery person etc. Some businesses will give their staff a small Christmas bonus.
No-one really knows why it is called 'Boxing Day' but there are a lot of theories about it. The one thing that is common however, is that all of them include a 'Christmas Box' in some form or other, and giving to those in need.
In churches, years ago, there would have been a box for people to put in donations for the poor, on Christmas Day. This was opened the following day and the contents were shared among the poor people of the parish.
Christmas Boxes were used as a good luck charm, on sailing ships, during the Age of Exploration. A small container was placed on a ship by a priest before it set sail from port. Sailors who wanted to be sure of a safe return would put money in the box, which was sealed and kept on board during the voyage. If the ship returned safely the priest would meet the ship, prayers of thanks would be said and the box was handed over to the priest. The priest would then share the money inside, amongst the poor of the parish.
Many years ago, low paid workers were expected to work on Christmas Day. They would be given the next day off so that they could visit their families. On this day the employer would give them a Christmas box to take home.
In large households, with servants, the servants would also work on Christmas Day and be given the next day off to visit their families at home. Surplus food from the 'big table' would be boxed up and given to the servants to take home.
In modern day times, giving a Christmas box is still popular. Nowadays, the term 'Christmas Box' refers to a small gift of money - often given to people such as the dustman, paper delivery person etc. Some businesses will give their staff a small Christmas bonus.
What do people do on Boxing Day?
A family walk is a popular Boxing Day activity
Boxing Day is traditionally a time when families get together to relax. No-one really wants very much to eat as they are usually still full from the day before! Many families go for a long walk on Boxing Day - if you live close to the coast, a walk along the beach is very refreshing. Alternatively a stroll in the countryside is very pleasant. We are very lucky in this area as the coast isn't far away and there are plenty of countryside walks, as well as the vast area of Thetford Forest to walk around.
Boxing Day Hunts
Another Boxing Day tradition, is the Boxing Day Hunt. Fox-hunting used to be a way of controlling the fox population in the countryside. However, hunting with dogs has been illegal since 2005.
Nowadays, the Hunt can only take place as long as the dogs are being exercised and only chasing the scent. They must not attack the fox.
Nowadays, the Hunt can only take place as long as the dogs are being exercised and only chasing the scent. They must not attack the fox.