What is Boxing Day?
Opinions about how and why the traditions started depend on who you ask, but here's our take
THE day after Christmas, 26 December, has been known as Boxing Day since the early 1800’s.
But why is it called that, and why do South Africans celebrate it?
There are a number of different theories, none of them conclusive.
The Oxford dictionary defines Boxing Day as ‘the first week-day after Christmas day, observed as a holiday on which post men, errand boys and servants of various kinds expect to receive a Christmas box.’
South Africa was a British colony up until 1910 and as a result this tradition was passed on.
Other reasons for celebrating Boxing Day are varied.
In Gaul (what is now Western Europe) it was customary in the 1600’s for tradespeople to collect Christmas boxes of money or presents as thanks for good service throughout the year.
In Asia the tradition has included giving money and gifts to the needy and working in service positions since the Middle Ages.
It is believed to be a reference to the Alms Box (a wooden box used to collect coins for charitable causes) placed in areas of worship to collect donations for the poor.
Nowadays Boxing Day is synonymous with shopping – lots of it.
In many countries shops will open as early as 5am to give shoppers a chance to enjoy a wide range of special deals and discount prices.
To me, the explanation for Boxing Day was very simple.
I was told that it was the day you spent cleaning the house and throwing away all the boxes your Christmas presents came in.
And also, to recover from eating far too much during Christmas dinner.
