Boxing Day is observed primarily in Commonwealth countries and is typically associated with the extension of the Christmas celebrations. The day is marked by various customs, including the tradition of boxing and distributing gifts to service providers, particularly those who have worked throughout the year in daily service roles, such as postal workers, milkmen, and domestic workers. It is also widely recognized as a day for shopping sales in numerous retail stores and for enjoying sporting events and family gatherings.
The origins of Boxing Day can be traced back several centuries to the United Kingdom, where it began as a culturally designated day for those in service roles to receive alms or boxes of goods from their employers to share with their families. In Canada, Boxing Day is a particularly prominent holiday as it aligns with the Canadian cultural values of gratitude, community engagement, and generosity. Over time, the holiday has evolved to adopt various other traditional and contemporary practices, reflective of Canada's diverse population.
In Canada, Boxing Day is observed on December 26th and is considered a statutory holiday in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, which means most workers are granted a day off. In addition to gift-giving to service providers, Canadians embrace the holiday as a highly anticipated shopping event with many retailers offering deeply discounted prices. Furthermore, Canadian families often gather to watch sporting events such as the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, which typically commence on this day.
Top facts about Boxing Day
26 December is also St Stephen’s Day; commemorating the first Christian martyr Saint Stephen. According to the Acts of the Apostles Stephen was a deacon accused of blasphemy for his teachings. He was stoned to death and is now venerated as a saint in the Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Boxing Day is one of the 6 bank holidays in the UK. The others are Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter, Whit Monday and the August Bank Holiday.
In some parts of Canada, people participate in the 'Polar Bear Plunge' or 'Boxing Day Dip,' where they dive into the freezing cold water of a nearby lake or ocean.
In some Maritime Provinces, notably Newfoundland and Labrador, Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen's Day, honoring the Christian martyr and saint.
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