Christmas Traditions
By
*Gypsy Joy*.
There is an interesting tidbit about the theory how
boxing day started in the past.
Some folktales go as far back as the Roman and Victorian period.
Boxing day is usually celebrated on
Dec. 26th
the day after Christmas.
It is celebrated in the English speaking parts of the world.
E.g. in Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.
On Boxing day stores will be kept open for business.
In many places in England, people gather at a beach, to collect money for charity
They dress up in costumes, take part in a dip in the North Sea and keep warm by a fire at the beach.
In 2013
such an event took place at Tenby where the beach was filled with pirates.
Arrrrr!
Why pirates?
Perhaps, because there is a theory that Boxing day might have been started by Christian voyagers sailing the sea.
The money was collected during a Christ-Mass.
Before the trip the ship’s crue, family and friends prayed for the protection of a saint to guard the vessel.
In case it was needed, the sailors kept the box with money on their ship.
After a safe return home they distributed the money to the poor.
Enjoy the pirates dip in the North Sea!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmY–acIGX4
In most European countries the day after Christmas is referred to as
“second Christmas Day”.
This day is regarded as a holiday. Most stores will be closed.
Churches and other charities hold collections throughout the year to help the needy.
The English boxing day to collect funds for the needy seems a lot of Christmas fun for all.
New Year
is the day for a dip in a lake in Canada and/or to wear a costume strolling along the beach.
Enjoy a Canadian New Year’s Polar Bear Dip.
A fun charity held since 1995.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCrbxa7lk_0&feature=youtu.be
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