boxing day
on the Feast of Stephen....»
today is boxing day, 26 december, the day after christmas, the feast of st stephen, the first christian martyr (met his death by stoning, shortly after jc's crucifixion)... the term may come from the opening of church poor boxes that day; maybe from the earthenware boxes with which boy apprentices collected money at the doors of their masters' clients. some speculate that it's the day when traditionally, employers gave each of their servants a box containing gifts and bonuses. nowadays some give gifts to those who provide services to them throughout the year.
st stephen is the patron saint of horses, so boxing day has become associated with horse-racing and hunting. other sports are also held on this day like football and rugby.
