What is the origin of Boxing Day?

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SUMMARY

Boxing Day originates from a medieval tradition in English-speaking countries where churches opened 'alms boxes' to distribute gifts of money to the poor on the day after Christmas. This practice continues in some areas today, where gifts are also given to postal workers and delivery personnel. The term "Boxing Day" has led to misconceptions, with some believing it relates to physical boxing or leftover containers from Christmas celebrations. The discussion highlights the cultural significance of Boxing Day, particularly in Canada as a Commonwealth country.

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  • Understanding of historical traditions in English-speaking countries
  • Familiarity with the concept of almsgiving and charitable practices
  • Knowledge of Commonwealth countries and their cultural exchanges
  • Awareness of modern holiday practices and their origins
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  • Research the historical significance of alms boxes in medieval England
  • Explore the evolution of Boxing Day celebrations in Canada
  • Investigate other Commonwealth traditions and their origins
  • Learn about modern charitable practices associated with holidays
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Historians, cultural anthropologists, and anyone interested in the origins and evolution of holiday traditions, particularly those related to Boxing Day and its significance in Commonwealth countries.

Njorl
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Is it about pugilism or containers?

Njorl
 
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Boxing day takes its name after a tradition practiced by churches in English speaking countries during the middle ages. Churches opened 'alms boxe', which contained gifts of money, then distributed them to the poor on the day after Christmas day. Still practiced today too in some places. Gifts are given to postal workers and other delivery servicepeople.
 
Thank you.
 
Originally posted by Njorl
Is it about pugilism or containers?

Njorl

HA HA HA

I never knew what Boxing Day was either, but it always conjured up a very funny image in my mind. I always pictured it as a day in which all Canadians united in solemn celebration and the spirit of brotherhood, to beat the crap out of each other.

Guess I was wrong.
 
Early in my childhood, I conceived the notion that it had something to do with lots of empty containers left over from Christmas. I imagined that Canadiens did something special with all the boxes. It was so deeply entrenched, that it seemed reasonable to me even last week.

Njorl
 


Originally posted by Tom
I always pictured it as a day in which all Canadians united in solemn celebration and the spirit of brotherhood, to beat the crap out of each other.

I had that same thought when I saw the day "Canadian Boxing Day" on my calendar. Another holiday to celebrate, yay
 
Boxing Day is an old English tradition - The Canadian's must have 'borrowed' it from us. But as they are a Commonwealth country, that's OK.
 

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