Boxing Day 2024
Boxing Day
is a holiday that is traditionally celebrated on the day after Christmas Day, December 26th, in the United Kingdom and other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
When it's Boxing Day 2024?
Date
26 Dec 2024Thursday
Length
1 DayThe origins of Boxing Day are not entirely clear, but there are a few theories about its origin. One theory is that it originated in the United Kingdom during the Middle Ages as a way for the wealthy to give gifts to the poor. It was believed that the gifts, which were often left in boxes at the church, were given in honor of St. Stephen, who was known for his generosity and kindness.
Another theory is that Boxing Day was originally a day for servants and tradespeople to receive gifts from their employers. In the past, it was common for people to work on Christmas Day, and the day after, Boxing Day, was a day off for them. It was a tradition for employers to give their employees gifts or money on this day as a way of thanking them for their challenging work.
Regardless of its origins,
Boxing Day
has become an important and widely celebrated holiday in many parts of Europe. In the United Kingdom, it is a time for people to visit family and friends and exchange gifts. It is also a popular day for sporting events, with many football (soccer) matches taking place on this day.
Boxing Day Customs throughout Europe
Tradition in:
In Ireland, St. Stephen's Day is a public holiday and is celebrated in much the same way as Boxing Day is in the United Kingdom. It is a time for people to visit family and friends and exchange gifts, and there are also traditional parades and festivals held in honor of St. Stephen.
Tradition in:
In Italy, Boxing Day is known as St. Stephen's Day and is not a public holiday. However, it is still a time for people to visit family and friends and exchange gifts, and there are also traditional religious ceremonies held in honor of St. Stephen.
Tradition in:
In Germany, Boxing Day is known as St. Stephen's Day and is not a public holiday. However, it is still a time for people to visit family and friends and exchange gifts, and there are also traditional religious ceremonies held in honor of St. Stephen.
Tradition in:
In Poland, Boxing Day is known as the Day of St. Stephen and is a public holiday. It is a time for people to visit family and friends and exchange gifts, and there are also traditional religious ceremonies held in honor of St. Stephen.
Tradition in:
In France, Boxing Day is not a public holiday and is not widely celebrated. However, some people may exchange gifts with friends and family on this day.