Happy
Boxing Day!
For those who aren't familiar with the British term, Boxing
Day has no pugilistic connotations but refers to the weekday
following Christmas Day when the alms or "poor" offering boxes were
opened and distributed to the needy.
Boxing
Day gift giving began in the middle ages but was revived by Queen
Victoria. After all the feasting of Christmas, the leftovers were
distributed to the poor as well as monetary gifts.
It was also a time to
give gifts to the employees of the great houses and for the tradesmen
that had served through the year. Gifts were given to postmen, delivery
people, purveyors and shop keepers as well as any employees in your home
or estate.
Boxing
Day also includes lots of other opportunites that are more
active...from after Christmas sales... the photo below was taken outside Harrods for the Boxing Day sale... and included a red carpet and refreshments being served to those waiting in line to enter with strict capacity controlled at any time.
to fox hunting, which is a famous
activity for Boxing Day, although not without controversy....
Boxing Day hunt postcard... 1910 Bicester
I found a great video of a 2007 fox hunt on You
Tube which I have added at the end of the post.
Hunting scenes have always been a popular theme on English country house decor...
And hunting horse brasses are always popular....
I
hope you had a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your boxing Day. Here is the the wonderful Christmas
message video from the BBC from Queen Elizabeth II.
And starts today...
Cheers!
