Boxing Day: What is it Really?
First of all, it has nothing to do with punching anyone. Boxing Day (observed on December 26th) is not a regular holiday either in all English speaking countries. It is not in the U.S. but it is in Great Britain.
If the U.S. (and now even Ecuador too) have Black Friday then Great Britain and all the territories of the Commonwealth have Boxing Day meaning with this that Boxing Day is a shopping day and stores everywhere offer great discounts and promotions. In some cases it is shopping madness especially outside some electronics stores with some of them opening as early as 5 AM and closing at 11 PM with long lines of customers waiting outside to get the best discounts.
People are unsure of the origin of Boxing Day. the most common tradition explains that at some point during the Middle Ages those who serve the rich during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were allowed to go home the next day, that is December 26, and were also given a box with some money, gifts, and even food. This custom eventually changed and the box was not only for servants but for the Poor in general. Also at some companies, the employers gave their employees an extra bonus and they used a metal box for that.
Whatever its origin was Boxing Day is something else entirely but its original purpose should not be lost but re-established. Would that not be more according with the "spirit" of the holidays?
If the U.S. (and now even Ecuador too) have Black Friday then Great Britain and all the territories of the Commonwealth have Boxing Day meaning with this that Boxing Day is a shopping day and stores everywhere offer great discounts and promotions. In some cases it is shopping madness especially outside some electronics stores with some of them opening as early as 5 AM and closing at 11 PM with long lines of customers waiting outside to get the best discounts.
People are unsure of the origin of Boxing Day. the most common tradition explains that at some point during the Middle Ages those who serve the rich during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were allowed to go home the next day, that is December 26, and were also given a box with some money, gifts, and even food. This custom eventually changed and the box was not only for servants but for the Poor in general. Also at some companies, the employers gave their employees an extra bonus and they used a metal box for that.
Whatever its origin was Boxing Day is something else entirely but its original purpose should not be lost but re-established. Would that not be more according with the "spirit" of the holidays?
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