the origin of boxing day.?

[steve56]

i believe boxing matches were held on this day.

[planeterotica]

Apparently years ago they used to give gifts the day after christmas not wrapped but in a box hence the name, but no doubt there will be other versions.

[Jacques]

I think that is one of those urban legends.

"Members of the merchant class would give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude much like when people receive bonuses, from their employer, for a job well done, today. These gifts, given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, Boxing Day. "

[nachovx]

I don't think there's any consensus on where the name came from ... there's no real evidence it comes from boxing or boxes. But with the new status of 'gay marriage' there's a move about to rename it BOTSING DAY shocked! (but maybe that's probably the other 363 days)

From

The holiday's roots can be traced to Britain, where Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen's Day. Reduced to the simplest essence, its origins are found in a long-ago practice of giving cash or durable goods to those of the lower classes. Gifts among equals were exchanged on or before Christmas Day, but beneficences to those less fortunate were bestowed the day after.

[AlanT]

I always thought Boxing day was when the inlaws had outstayed their welcome over christmas and things turned nasty.

Al.

[wheeley]

It was a holiday for British army officers bat men, the officers used to take on the dutys of the bat men for 24 hours.

[IdolDroog]

my childhood understanding for it was when the upper classes allowed their servants the 26th of dec off having worked on christmas day itself. they then gave them the afformentioned box of "goodies" for their service through the year.......hence boxxxxxx

[laralatex]

I thought it was originally called st.stephens day but I don't know who he was!!!