So What Is The Meaning of Boxing Day, Anyway?

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In Canada and other countries around the world, the day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day. Most Canadians spend the day bargain hunting at countless Boxing Day sales.

So what is the meaning of Boxing Day? It turns out the history of Boxing Day actually has a much more charitable history. Boxing Day dates back to England when wealthy homeowners would give gifts to their servants and to the poor. 

In the UK, the holiday was originally known as St. Stephen’s Day but was renamed "Boxing Day". The exact origin of the name "Boxing Day" is still up in the air.  One of the most popular theories is that it's named after the boxes of gifts that were given by employers to their staff. One thing is certain: the holiday has nothing to do with boxers or any form of pugilism.

It is believed that the day has its roots in the ancient Roman Saturnalia, which also featured gift giving to the less fortunate.

Boxing Day became an official bank holiday in England in 1871. The holiday spread to other countries in the British Commonwealth. Today, it is a stat holiday in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Canada. 

There are relatively few Boxing Day events. Instead, people are supposed to focus on giving to those less fortunate and other acts of altruism. The reality, however, is that most will spend the day shopping.