Boxing day December 26

According to some sources, “Boxing Day” dates back to XV^e century, but the exact origins of this holiday are still uncertain. Many people celebrate this day without knowing its exact origins.

The first story refers to a religious origin of this feast. Stephen, known as the first Christian martyr, is chosen by the apostles to distribute alms to the poor. For a long time, this idea of charity and almsgiving has been associated with December 26 and is found in most theories.

It is also present in one of the Christmas carols called "The Good King Wenceslas" telling the story of King Wenceslas II of Bohemia: one day, while he was traveling through his lands, he saw a starving man desperately looking for wood to beat the cold. The king then took pity on him and ordered his servants to prepare a bag containing plenty of food and wine, which Wenceslas brought to him in person.

Another hypothesis states that the origin of Boxing Day dates back to XV^e century, period of the Great Discoveries during which maritime expeditions multiplied. During these, many superstitious sailors brought a box on board in which they placed money as a sign of protection for their adventures. This box was sealed until their return. If, by chance, they returned safe and sound from their journeys, the box and its offerings were given to the village priests who distributed them to the most destitute.

At the same time, many English-speaking churches also left an offering box available in which pilgrims and other visitors could deposit money. This box remained sealed until December 26Once reopened, the money is distributed to the beggars and poor of the Church..