Lowes loves this time of year and with a Lowes Money Off coupon from We Are Coupons it is even more enjoyable. In the United States, Boxing Day is a holiday which celebrates the last day of the year and it's all about getting together with friends and family. Many people enjoy eating leftover food and watching their favorite sports games. However, not everyone knows the history of the holiday. Here's a brief look into some of the most interesting facts.
St. Stephen's Day
There are many celebrations associated with St. Stephen's Day. However, in Ireland and the UK, it is more commonly known as Boxing Day. The holiday has its own unique history.
Although today it is celebrated in many countries, its origins can be traced back to the 17th century. The ritual of giving gifts on the day after Christmas to servants, tradesmen and the poor is associated with the holiday.
Traditionally, on this day, wealthy people would give gifts to their servants and tradesmen. These gifts, called boxes, contained money and other bonuses. They were also given to employees of former British colonies.
As the practice of giving gifts increased, it became common for employers to give their staff an extra day of paid leave. In addition, the holiday has become a national holiday in many nations.
Wren Day
Wren Day is an ancient tradition in Ireland. It was originally observed in rural areas. Today it has been revived in some towns. The wren is one of the most important birds in Europe. It was considered a sacred bird that guarded gardens and protected crops.
The wren is a clever little bird. It is often referred to as the King of the Birds. Its name is derived from an Aesop fable. It is also associated with bad luck and betrayal. It is thought that if a wren is killed, it will be a sign of bad luck for the following twelve months.
During medieval times, a hunt for wrens was popular in England. Wren hunters went through town in a procession carrying torches, sceptres and crowns. The wren's feathers were believed to help sailors prevent shipwrecks.
Churches
Boxing Day is a holiday that is celebrated in England, Ireland, Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland. The tradition has been around for centuries and there are plenty of theories about its origins. Traditionally, Boxing Day is a day off for servants and a time to celebrate. It is also a charitable event that owes its origins to St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
In the early days of Christianity, metal boxes were used to collect special offerings. These were distributed to the needy. The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver.
Boxing Day originated as a charitable event that involved giving gifts to those in need. These gifts are still given today. The gifts are usually made up of money. The earliest records of such a practice date back to the 16th century.
Sporting events
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in several countries. It is a public bank holiday in the United Kingdom and Australia, and a legal holiday in New Zealand. The origin of the term 'Boxing Day' is unclear, but it may have originated in the United Kingdom during Queen Victoria's reign.
Originally, Boxing Day was a day for servants to have a day off. Typically, they would be allowed to go home on the 26th, and their employers would provide them with a special Christmas box.
Boxing Day was also the day for hunting. During the 17th and 18th century, it was the day for fox hunting. However, as the holiday became more popular, people started to spend the day watching football matches and donating to charity.
Leftover food
Using a leftover from a Christmas feast to create a new dish is not unheard of. In fact, the name of Boxing Day is synonymous with turkey and the likes. In the UK and Ireland, it's a long standing tradition and a fun one at that. Having your leftovers on hand makes life a little easier.
The best way to tell if you're about to get stuck with a stray piece of meat is to ask someone who has been around the block a few times. Most of the time, they're too polite to say no. However, on the odd occasion, they'll go for the kill and smack you across the face. Luckily for them, they've been in the business for a while and have learned how to handle their customer base. The result is a more streamlined and efficient service that leaves you free to eat your holiday dinner without guilt.
