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critter Inner circle Spokane, WA 2653 Posts |
So I once heard about this strange holiday they celebrate in the UK called "Boxing Day." I never did know what it was or why it was so close to Christmas.
Here's the story as I've managed to piece it together so far: In the year 1008 the Irish O'Mulcreevy family single handedly defeated the Swedish Vikings in a series of pugilistic skirmishes. The Swedes had first attempted to trade salt fish for potatoes, but the Irish hadn't gotten potatoes from America yet, so the boxing tournament was arranged instead. It was known as the VFC (Vikings Fighting Celts) and the Irish won every match due to having invented Whiskey, making them impervious to pain. Since the Irish were overcome with Catholic guilt after beating the Swedes so soundly, they gave them presents. Thus, boxing day was born. Then another time Henry VII or VIII or some such nonsense, decided to invade Ireland. Since the English archery people realized that the Irish (especially the O'Mulcreevys) were much manlier than them they figured they should copy everything the Irish did. They hoped this would reduce their poncey British estrogen. One of the habits they adopted was boking day. However, they were terrified of punching each other and straightening their teeth by accident so they just wrote checks to each other without the punching. Eventually, Oliver Cromwell or somebody else I made up decided to send British criminals to a new colony known as Canuckida. Since all British criminals are Irish they brought the true boxing day tradition of pugilism to their new home. Over time, as Canuckida became Canada, the traditional boxing day pugilism transformed into a form of pugilism on ice called "Boxey" which was even later altered to "Hoxey" and finally, "Hockey." In this boxing day derivative, celebrants first punch each other and beat each other with sticks, and then give each other a golden goblet. The US, despite also harboring Irish criminals such as the Rice/O'Mulcreevy brood what begat my own insane pappy, never adopted boxing day. This is because none of us can afford the dental bills from punching each other in the face. And that's why pigs are pink. Or some such nonsense.
"The fool is one who doesn't know what you have just found out."
~Will Rogers |
balducci Loyal user Canada 227 Posts |
We celebrate it in Canada, as well.
I don't know that anyone knows where the name comes from, but as a child I was told that Boxing Day has something to do with returning unwanted gifts, or gifts in the wrong size, to stores in boxes. What wikipedia says is this: The exact etymology of the term "boxing" is unclear and there are several competing theories, none of which is definitive.[3] The tradition has long included giving money and other gifts to those who were needy and in service positions. The European tradition has been dated to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is unknown and there are some claims that it goes back to the late Roman/early Christian era; metal boxes placed outside churches were used to collect special offerings tied to the Feast of Saint Stephen.[4] In the UK, it is a custom for tradesmen to collect "Christmas boxes" of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year.[5] This is mentioned in Samuel Pepys' diary entry for 19 December 1663;[6] This custom is linked to an older English tradition: in exchange for ensuring that wealthy landowners' Christmases ran smoothly, their servants were allowed to take the 26th off to visit their families. The employers gave each servant a box containing gifts and bonuses (and sometimes leftover food).
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Erwin New user 56 Posts |
I never knew about that Irish history on 26th Dec, thanks Critter. But how come the Irish call it St Stephen's Day?
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Ray Tupper. Special user NG16. 749 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-07-14 04:06, Erwin wrote: Stephen was the first of the O'Mulcreevy clan. He was Canonised for his services to the potene industry.Though potatoes were yet to be grown in Ireland for another 500 years,he had the foresight to devise a recipe,more out of desperation than anything else,due to the Irish opium famine. Ray.
What do we want?
A cure for tourettes! When do we want it? C*nt! |
Erwin New user 56 Posts |
Thanks Ray! Boy, they never told us ANY of this at school.
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Josh Chaikin Inner circle Kansas City 1430 Posts |
Clearly because St. Stephen bested Erik the Red in a no-holds-barred boxing match, winning by TKO in the 32nd round, only to finish off the day by drinking 2 quarts of whiskey, then passing out in the great hall.
Or maybe Critter was (somewhat) serious...hard to tell. |
Magnus Eisengrim Inner circle Sulla placed heads on 1053 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-07-14 02:56, critter wrote: Applying for a job at the Onion? John PS How many days until the Spokane Highland Games, again?
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity.--Yeats |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
I give all my servants a present on Dec 26th.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
critter Inner circle Spokane, WA 2653 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-07-14 09:48, Magnus Eisengrim wrote: 22 days until the highland games, and I wish As for St. Stephen's day: As we all know, St. Stephen was commemorated in famous half Irish lunatic Mel Gibson's film "Braveheart" in 1990something. When he reminded audiences that Ireland is, in fact, his island- they thought it would bring them publicity to name something after him. Since the Irish never have been able to correctly pronnounce the word "boxing" they decided that would work, so ever since- it's St. Stephen's day. Even though Stephen himself only boxed with big giant knives in his hands. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you can't learn the real history from schoolbooks.
"The fool is one who doesn't know what you have just found out."
~Will Rogers |
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