Where does the tradition of Boxing Day come from?

The name comes from a time when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants – a day when they received a special Christmas box from their masters. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give Christmas boxes to their families.

When did the tradition of Boxing Day start?

The Oxford English Dictionary gives the earliest attestations from Britain in the 1830s, defining it as “the first weekday after Christmas day, observed as a holiday on which postmen, errand boys, and servants of various kinds expect to receive a Christmas box”.

Why is Boxing Day called Boxing Day?

It was traditionally a day off for servants and a day when they would receive special presents from their masters. The presents traditionally given to the poor and servants was called a ‘Christmas box’ hence the name Boxing Day.

Why is 26th December called Boxing Day?

The name is a reference to charity drives. A box to collect money for the poor traditionally and placed in Churches on Christmas day and opened the next day, or Boxing Day.

What eat on Boxing Day?

Brilliant Boxing Day dinners

  • Gennaro’s beautiful leftover bruschetta.
  • Gooey baked Camembert.
  • Easy salmon en croûte.
  • Gluten-free curried veg pie.
  • Cauliflower mac ‘n’ cheese.
  • Mulled wine glazed ham.
  • Winter pasta salad.
  • Christmas ice cream sundae.

What do Brits do on Boxing Day?

Members of the British Royal family traditionally celebrate Boxing Day together, which for them typically includes a number of outdoor activities, like horseback riding and a pheasant shoot. However, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it will be a scaled-back celebration again this year for the family.

Is Boxing Day a British thing?

Boxing Day, in Great Britain and some Commonwealth countries, particularly Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, holiday (December 26) on which servants, tradespeople, and the poor traditionally were presented with gifts. By the 21st century it had become a day associated with shopping and sporting events.

What do you eat on Boxing Day?

What do British eat on Boxing Day?

On Boxing Day most families in Britain begin to use up the left-over turkey from Christmas Day. There is usually an enormous joint of gammon ham or roast beef still around from Christmas Eve as well.

What are the customs rituals and traditions of Boxing Day?

Today, the holiday is associated with sports, with major football, rugby, and cricket matches and horseraces taking place on December 26. Hunting, especially fox hunting, is also beloved on Boxing Day.

Are there any foods associated with Boxing Day?

Instead, it is a day for dishes, made in advance and a great way to use up turkey leftovers and the time to bring out some of the stalwarts of the British buffet table; hams, pies, Christmas cake, and mince pies.