Boxing Day today is also St. Stephen’s Day. History, meaning

On December 26, 2024By Littum

Wait, what?

For much of the English-speaking world, the day after Christmas is Boxing Day.

The holiday is not celebrated in the United States, which sounds strange for a country that loves its holidays. Although to be honest, we really love them when they fall on a Friday or Monday.

This year, Christmas hit us on Wednesday. The first day of Hanukkah started on the same day, a rare occurrence. And today is also the first day Kwanzaa.

But what about Boxing Day? Why doesn’t America celebrate the day, what do people do, and what is the holiday all about?

What is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is a day that began in Great Britain centuries ago, according to the old peasant almanac.

“During the Victorian era – 1837 to 1901 – the upper classes discarded food scraps, money or goods and gave them to their craftsmen as well as their servants for reliable service throughout the year.”

The custom arose because servants who had to wait on their masters on Christmas Day had the next day off. given gifts by their masters and would go home to visit their families,” according to the old farmer’s almanac.

“Some historians attribute Boxing Day to the little ones boxes with alms placed near the church doors asking for donations to help the poor during Advent,” according to National Day Today.

“The day after Christmas, members of the church clergy distributed the donations to needy citizens throughout the community.”

When is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is celebrated every year on the day after Christmas, December 26.

This year it is today, Thursday 26 December.

Which countries celebrate Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, along with other Commonwealth countries associated with the British Empire.

Some former British colonies, such as the Bahamas, Hong Kong and South Africa have also made it a public holiday, according to Infoplease.

The day is one official holiday in the UK, Canada, New Zealand and most of Australia.

How is Boxing Day celebrated?

Boxing Day is a day to relax after all the activities associated with Christmas.

People play games, watch sporting events, enjoy leftovers and yes, do a bit of post-Christmas (or return) shopping.

Why doesn’t the US celebrate Boxing Day?

The United States is one of the few English-speaking countries – and former British colonies – that does not celebrate Boxing Day.

In fact, when Christmas falls on a weekday, it’s just another day and employees go back to work.

Although there is no clear reason why the United States has not adopted Boxing Day as a national holiday, some speculate that it is because America became an independent nation well after Great Britain established the day as an official holiday in 1871, according to Infoplease.

And don’t forget, the US adopted its own special holiday in 1789, Thanksgiving.

Are there any Boxing Day events in Florida?

We found a few!

Is Boxing Day the same as St. Stephen’s day?

While both days are celebrated on December 26, St. Stephen’s Day a religious holiday also known as the Feast of Saint Stephen.

Stephen was the first Christian martyr who was known for helping the poor, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.

If his name sounds familiar, it is because he is mentioned in a popular carol, “Good King Wenceslas”:

“Good King Wenceslas looked

at Stefan’s party.”

Have you ever heard of Wren Day?

In Ireland, St. Stephen’s Day is also called Wren Day, according to Britannica.

“Irish legend says one wren betrayed St. Stephen when he hid from his assailants by flapping his wings or singing, thereby giving up the whereabouts of the saint,” said Britannica.

In the past, a wren was hunted, killed and then tied to a stake and taken door-to-door by young boys asking for money to bury the wren.

“Catching one (a wren) and burying it on St. Stephen’s Day ensured good luck for the coming new year,” Britannica said.

The tradition of wren hunting died out in the 20th century, but Wren Day parades still take place in some parts of Ireland.