On the 19th December 1663, famous writer and journalist Samuel Pepsy made mention of Boxing Day in his diary. This grand tradition for the working middle and lower classes has been around since the Middle Ages, beginning in Rome.
Basically tradesmen and servants would receive a box of goodies or money from their superiors the day after Christmas. As servants would spend Christmas day in the service of their masters, they would be able to go see their families the next day. They would receive a box from their employers to take with them that was filled with money, leftover food or other bonuses.
In England, metal boxes were attached to church walls for the collection of money. Tying in perfectly with the Feast of Saint Stephen, this collection was taken around the poor the day following Christmas.
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