December 26, 2007

Whew! Talk about a heavy-hitting holiday! Check it all out...

Today is Boxing Day , celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries. Believe it or not, its origin also dates back to Saturnalia — to the giving of gifts that occurred during that festival. Later, it was the churches who collected alms for the poor — and opened the boxes the day after Christmas to distribute the collection. Then tradespeople picked up the role, collecting tips for the apprentices and assistants.

Now Boxing Day is considered the traditional day to gift those whose services you appreciate the year round — delivery people, the mail and newspaper carrier, etc. In the Bahamas, they've taken Boxing Day and made it Junkanoo, a mummer's parade that combines something like Mardi Gras with African tribal rituals.

In Ireland, it is Day of the Wren, which probably had its origins in the ancient custom of sacrificing an animal as a symbol of the death and rebirth of the year. The wren is called the "king of the birds," and it was normally illegal to kill one.

It's also believed to be tied into the day's Catholic feast day, for St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. "Good King Wenceslas looked down, on the feast of Stephen." An Irish legend blames a chirping wren for alerting guards to St. Stephen's efforts to escape, and he was later stoned to death. In modern day, the tradition is cause for masked revelers to go from door to door, asking for money or treats.

It's also the first day of Kwanzaa, the seven-day African-American holiday celebration established more than 40 years ago. Today's principle is UMOJA — UNITY.

Tips for the day

Kwanzaa is another observance that involves reflection, family ceremony and ritual, and the lighting of candles each day. In this case, the candles are seven, and they are red, black and green. The History Channel has a nice mini-site with background on Kwanzaa's history, ideas, and symbols.