Boxing Day: Why do we celebrate it in Australia?

·

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Boxing Day, or what the story behind it is?

For many, when you hear the words ‘Boxing Day’ or see the date December 26, the first thing to come to mind is shopping… right?

Well, The Greek Herald has decided to dive into Boxing Day’s history and find out why its recognised as an annual holiday globally.

Boxing Day is a term that comes from British origins and it is celebrated in British Commonwealth countries around the world, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Britannica Dictionary defines it as a holiday upon which “servants, tradespeople, and the poor traditionally were presented with gifts. By the 21st century it had become a day associated with shopping and sporting events.”

Although there is not one specific definition to the holiday, one of the theories behind the story of Boxing Day is that on December 26th centuries ago, manor lords and aristocrats would put together Christmas boxes filled with small gifts, money and leftovers of Christmas feasts to distribute to their servants and employees.

boxing day
Boxing Day 2022 on Pitt St Mall. Photo: Seb Haggett.

This was seen as a token of appreciation for their good service for the year, basically like a holiday bonus. The servants would also get the day off, to go home and be with their families.

The other popular theory, which is most commonly known, is that Boxing Day was a holiday where boxes of left-over food from Christmas was distributed to the poor. They would be first placed in churches during the Advent season and on December 26, clergy members would hand them out.

Now in Australia, Boxing Day is a holiday where shopping centres extend their trading hours, people wait in queues for hours and they shop till they drop for good deals.

Although it might be a long day out, and one that’s frustrating due to the lack of parking in the car parks, the large crowds and the heat, the 50 per cent off sales and discounts on this day make it worth it for some.

Boxing Day is also a day where people watch Boxing Day edition sports matches such as soccer and cricket, and where they visit friends and family they missed out on seeing the day before on Christmas.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Twin pays heartfelt tribute after shark attack claims surfer Mercury Psillakis’ life

The brother of surfer Mercury Psillakis, killed in a shark attack off Dee Why Beach, has shared a tribute describing their unbreakable bond.

‘Greece and Romiosyni have no borders’: Renos Haralambidis brings his films to Australia

Renos Haralambidis will be honoured with a retrospective at the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney this October, showcasing five films.

Nico Lazaridi wines shine at exclusive Sydney hospitality dinner

Nico Lazaridi organised a wine dinner at Alpha Dining on Tuesday night to promote the PGI wines they produce across northern Greece.

Box Hill couple Michael and Rita Nicolaou deny delaying $27m school project

Michael and Rita Nicolaou, who sold their Box Hill property to the state, have denied claims of holding up construction of two new schools.

Former MP Philip Dalidakis slams Daniel Andrews over Beijing parade appearance

Former Victorian Minister Philip Dalidakis has criticised ex-premier Daniel Andrews for attending a military parade in Beijing.

You May Also Like

Sydney hairdresser Paris Coudounellis pleads guilty to AVO breach

A Phillip Bay hairdresser, Paris Coudounellis, pleaded guilty in Waverley Local Court on Monday to breaching an apprehended violence order.

Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW holds kefi-filled Taverna Night

Last Saturday, 13 January, the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW came together to host a Taverna Night.

Adriana Christopoulos appointed Chair of the SA Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission

Greek Australian Andriana Christopoulos has been appointed Chair of South Australia's Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC).