Many parts of the world celebrate a December 26 known as Boxing Day after Christmas. This tradition has passed from ancient times into modernity. Boxing Day traditions are rooted in ancient Rome and medieval Europe. Today we’ll explore the long and interesting junctions along the road that Boxing Day has taken. But how were all the days of giving and celebration really conceived?
Boxing Day, Ancient Origins:
The concept of Boxing Day is rooted in ancient Rome. The Romans traded gifts and feasted as part of their festival Saturnalia, roughly the equivalent of our Christmas day. Nevertheless, the custom of gift giving was passed from one nation to another and from one age to another. Now we have a day of our own–Boxing Day.
Medieval Europe:
Medieval England chose the day after Christmas as a day to give to the poor. These scraps of their Christmas feast would be packed up by the rich to give away. There were also food and clothing. This displayed the goodwill and openhandedness usual of holidays.
The Alms Box:
Others argue that even the name Boxing Day itself comes from an old custom of leaving alms boxes at Christmas services. Boxes for collecting money and goods to donate were set up for the poor. As a result, the next day after Christmas these boxes were all opened up and their contents distributed to the needy.
Colonial Influence and Spread:
When European colonial powers moved out and around the world, so did this tradition of Boxing Day. It was especially deeply ingrained in the British Empire, extending to Canada and Australia. In these areas the tradition of Boxing Day continued to develop and intermingle with local custom.
Modern Traditions:
The concept of Boxing Day as the day when one gives to the poor, does good deeds has persisted. But people’s manner of celebrating it has altered a bit over the years. In England by the 19th century there was a connection with fox hunting on Boxing Day; in the following century it became an all-out sport day, especially for horse racing and football matches.
Today’s Boxing Day, a day of humanitarianism in name of which door-to-door collections are held and sales promotions organized by Shopping Firms all over the world. Many people today use this day for charitable donations or community service, all in the spirit of giving and generosity.
Conclusion:
The story of Boxing Day reveals something about the changing nature of cultural traditions. From ancient Rome to medieval Europe and beyond–while its spirit has unfailingly endured, the next few centuries have been essential in altering it step by step as need arose.
In fact, we can only fully enjoy this holiday season once we understand its long and complex history. Its spirit of gift-giving is one of generosity. The spirit of Boxing Day was born out of this human trait to assemble, exchange and more.