The History of Boxing Day

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Boxing Day is one of those typically British things, thought I'd never given any thought to its history previously. You can join me on a learning journey by listening to this short dictation exercise.

If you're not familiar with the concept of Boxing Day, which may likely be the case, it's the name the British and some other ex-colonies give to the day after Christmas Day.

boxing
ˈbɒksɪŋ Listen
Meanings
noun
  • the sport or practice of fighting with the fists, especially with padded gloves in a roped square ring according to prescribed rules (the Queensberry Rules).
box
bɒks Listen
Meanings
verb
  • put in or provide with a box.
    E.g. each piece is boxed with a certificate of authenticity
box
bɒks Listen
Meanings
verb
  • fight an opponent using one's fists; compete in the sport of boxing.
    E.g. he boxed for England

Do not get confused and think the name has anything to do with the sport of boxing. That would make it a very different sort of day.

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Boxing Day is celebrated the day after Christmas. It is observed in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and other Commonwealth nations. While Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, Boxing Day is observed on December 26th.

Boxing Day originated in the 14th century in England, but the tradition of giving money and other gifts to servants did not become common until much later. Traditionally, employers would give their servants a box containing gifts and bonuses on the day after Christmas. These boxes were sometimes referred to as "Christmas Boxes".

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Image by Jan Steiner from Pixabay