The 26th of December, frequently called Boxing Day, is also known as St. Stephen's Day.
St. Stephen is remembered for being the first Christian martyr. Stephen looked after the poor and was stoned to death in A.D. 36 for preaching the Gospel. His story is recorded in the Bible, in the seventh chapter of Acts, verses 57-60.
Boxing Day is only celebrated in a few countries, mainly ones historically connected to the UK—such as Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand—as well as countries in Europe.
The tradition actually started in the UK about 800 years ago. It was the day when alms boxes, collection boxes for the poor often kept in churches, were traditionally opened so that the contents could be distributed to poor people.
St. Stephen is remembered for being the first Christian martyr. Stephen looked after the poor and was stoned to death in A.D. 36 for preaching the Gospel. His story is recorded in the Bible, in the seventh chapter of Acts, verses 57-60.
Boxing Day is only celebrated in a few countries, mainly ones historically connected to the UK—such as Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand—as well as countries in Europe.
The tradition actually started in the UK about 800 years ago. It was the day when alms boxes, collection boxes for the poor often kept in churches, were traditionally opened so that the contents could be distributed to poor people.