Significance Of Boxing Day

Significance Of Boxing Day

 

By: Nehemiah Anini

 

Today is observed as Boxing Day in many countries of the world, it is the day after Christmas day.

 

There are different theories surrounding the origin of Boxing  Day.

 

In some quarters, it is believed that the day takes its name from an old British practice where servants or employees offer gifts to their masters or employers in a small box on Christmas day as a sign of appreciation.

 

Their masters or employers would in tum put coins in the boxes as a special end of the year gift to them.

 

Others think it is an old tradition in which donation boxes in churches were opened a day after Christmas for the distribution of money to the less privileged.

 

There is yet another theory linked to the feudal era.

 

It is believed that, servants would gather their family members in the estate of their Lords who would hand over goods such as cloths, tools and grains in boxes to the families, a day after Christmas.

 

In some parts of the world, Boxing Day is regarded as a shopping holiday with amazing price reductions.

 

In some other countries, the day is used for sporting activities usually with local rivals to prevent people from travelling long distances a day after Christmas.

 

Whatever the case, the fundamental principle of Boxing Day is that, it is a day of giving and receiving, a day to show love to every one, friends and enemies alike.

 

Sadly, the concept of Boxing Day is gradually being eroded.

 

The practice of exchange of gifts and visits which used to characterise the day is fizzling out at a slow but worrying pace.

 

They might be quick to blame the situation on the current insecurity and the global economic crises which is shrinking many nations of the world.

 

It is therefore not surprising that people use the festive period to exploit. cheat and amass wealth.

 

Each day, God gives man opportunity to turn a new leaf.

 

That is the reason for another Boxing.

 

As an individual and a ration, there is the need to meditate on how best to give birth to a new Nigeria that all citizens will be proud of.

 

How best to build friendship rather than creating enmity along political and religious lines.

 

It is important to give a box, accompanied with love to either an individual or a group.

 

Just a smile could be the box that brings solace to a painful heart.

 

A word of encouragement could be the box that revamps a damping spirit, and a time shared could be the box that revives a fainting soul.

 

Failure on the part of the political class to provide quality leadership and satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of the masses over the years, has further worsened the security situation in Nigeria.

 

This is a Clarion call for all Nigerians to come together and build a united country that will foster peace and development.

 

Nigerians must put aside their differences and begin to see each other as one big family.

 

Nigerians should complement the efforts of the security agencies at various levels to end the current insecurity and ensure that the country is safe devoid of any fear of molestation.

 

This may appear unattainable but is achievable when Nigerians love one another.

 

Edited By Grace Namiji