Boxing Day 2014

(the Feast of St. Stephen)

The 26th of December is know in Britain as the Feast of St. Stephen, supposedly in honour of the first Christian martyr (allegedly killed in 34 A.D.).

In England this date is called Boxing Day, with offerings for the poor collected in church boxes. Gratuities are given to employees who would receive a Christmas Box or present (usually a small bonus in the wage packet) the postman or gardener or cleaning lady for their services for the previous year for the middle and upper classess.

One of my favourite Wintertime songs

 'Feast of Stephen' - Mike Heron

In Ireland it is Wren Day and "wren-boys" go from house to house, carrying a holly bush adorned with ribbons and figures of birds, and singing: 

"The wren, the wren, the king of all birds

St. Stephen's Day was caught in the furze

Although he is little, his family's great

I pray you, good landlady, give us a treat."

Wren - Andy Swapp 2012