Boxing Day is a holiday that is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is typically observed on December 26th, the day after Christmas Day. While it is a widely recognized holiday, many people are not familiar with the origins and meaning of Boxing Day. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Boxing Day, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Boxing Day is defined as a holiday that is observed in many countries, typically on December 26th, in which people give gifts to those who are less fortunate than themselves. The name “Boxing Day” is believed to have originated from the practice of giving boxes of gifts to servants and tradespeople on this day.
Origin
The origins of Boxing Day are not entirely clear, but there are several theories about how it came to be celebrated. One theory is that it originated in the Middle Ages, when churches would open their alms boxes on the day after Christmas and distribute the money to the poor. Another theory is that it was a day when wealthy families would give boxes of gifts to their servants and tradespeople as a way of thanking them for their hard work throughout the year.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Boxing Day is “the first weekday after Christmas Day, observed as a holiday on which postmen, errand boys, and servants of various kinds expect to receive a Christmas box or gratuity from their employers.” Merriam-Webster defines Boxing Day as “a holiday celebrated on December 26th in England and some other countries, in which people give presents to friends and family, and to people who are poor or who do important work.”
Associations
Boxing Day is associated with giving gifts to those who are less fortunate, as well as with spending time with family and friends. It is also associated with shopping, as many retailers offer sales and discounts on this day.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for Boxing Day, including St. Stephen’s Day (in Ireland), Wren Day (in Ireland and Wales), and Second Christmas Day (in Germany and the Netherlands).
Antonyms
There are no true antonyms for Boxing Day, as it is a holiday that is celebrated in many different countries and cultures.
The same root words
There are no significant root words associated with Boxing Day, as the name is believed to have originated from the practice of giving boxes of gifts to servants and tradespeople.
Example Sentences
- “On Boxing Day, we always make a point to give gifts to those who are less fortunate than ourselves.”
- “I love going shopping on Boxing Day, as there are always great deals to be found.”
- “In Ireland, Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen’s Day, and it is a day for visiting friends and family.”