Boxing Day Celebrations: Traditions in Romania and Great Britain Compared

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th in both Romania and Great Britain, but the traditions surrounding this holiday vary greatly between the two countries. Let's take a closer look at how Boxing Day is observed in these two nations and compare the differences in customs and activities.

1. Origins of Boxing Day

In Great Britain, Boxing Day has historical roots dating back to the Middle Ages, when wealthy landowners would give gifts or "Christmas boxes (Custom Boxing Day Apparel)" to their servants and tradespeople on the day after Christmas as a token of appreciation.

In Romania, however, Boxing Day is a more recent tradition influenced by Western culture and commercialism. 

In Romania, Boxing Day is known as the "Second Day of Christmas" (a doua zi de Crăciun). It is a national public holiday, along with Christmas Day on December 25th.

The day is often used as a time for shopping and taking advantage of post-Christmas sales.

2. Traditional Activities

In Great Britain, Boxing Day is a day for relaxing and spending time with family and friends. Many people enjoy going for a walk or watching a football match, while others partake in traditional activities such as fox hunting or charity events. 

In Great Britain, the day is associated with charitable acts and giving back to the less fortunate. Many people participate in charity events or donate to organizations that support those in need. The tradition of giving gifts to service employees is still observed in some households.

In Romania, Boxing Day is not traditionally a day off work or a public holiday, so the celebrations are less formalized. However, in Romania, families exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals together. Carol singing and visiting friends and neighbors are common customs during the holiday season.

3. Food and Drink

In both countries, food plays a central role in Boxing Day celebrations. 

In Great Britain, leftovers from the Christmas feast are typically enjoyed on Boxing Day, with turkey sandwiches and minced pies being popular choices.

In Romania, traditional Christmas foods such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) and cozonac (sweet bread) may be enjoyed on Boxing Day, along with mulled wine or tuica (plum brandy).

4. Shopping and Sales

In Great Britain, Boxing Day is famous for its sales and shopping discounts, with many retailers offering major discounts on their products. It's not uncommon to see long lines of shoppers waiting outside stores in the early hours of the morning to score a bargain.

In Romania, while there may be some post-Christmas sales, the shopping frenzy is not as pronounced as in Great Britain.

5. Sporting Events

When December 26 comes on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is designated as the official public holiday. December 26 is also the feast day of St. Stephen (St. Stephen’s Day), the patron saint of horses, and Boxing Day has come to be a day of sporting events, including horse races, foxhunting, and rugby. Traditional foxhunting was modified in 2005 after the enactment of legislation in England and Wales that largely banned the use of hounds in hunts. The holiday was not perpetuated by the English in the American colonies.

In Romania, sports events on Boxing Day are less common, with most people choosing to spend time with family or relax at home.

While Boxing Day is celebrated in both Romania and Great Britain, the traditions and customs surrounding this holiday differ significantly between the two countries. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely day with loved ones in Romania or taking advantage of post-Christmas sales in Great Britain, Boxing Day is a time to relax, recharge, and celebrate the festive season.