I understand that Jehovah’s Witnesses are only allowed to celebrate the memorial of Christ’s death. All other holidays are forbidden (based on their pagan and/or nationalistic origins).
Boxing Day is a holiday observed on December 26 in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ghana, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Kenya, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica. The celebration of Boxing Day involves giving money and other gifts to those who are needy. Seeing as how there are no apparent “pagan” or “nationalistic” origins to this holiday, why can’t Jehovah’s Witnesses celebrate it? Is it simply because your governing body told you so, or are there explicit BIBLICAL reasons?
Let’s say you choose to celebrate this holiday with pure and righteous motives. What exactly would be wrong with this?
[And don’t use the specious argument that Christians can help the needy ANY day they want. That’s missing the point; Christians don’t limit charity to one specific day of the year, as you well know.]
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Boxing Day IS connected with Christmas.
Servants had to work on Christmas Day to care for the feasts/needs of the rich. So they were given the following day off.
It is called "boxing" day because it is the day to remove all the Christmas boxes from your house (the gift wraps, etc). The boxes were to be filled with leftover food and other such things for the servants who'd worked Christmas Day, or for others.
Giving food to the poor is fine, but this is an extension of the Christmas stuff.
http://www.factmonster.com/spot/boxingday1.html
Debbie
Jehovah Witness Origins
Jehovah's Witnesses are guided by Bible principles when making such decisions. Although Boxing Day or St. Stephen's Day may not appear to have pagan and/or nationalistic origins consider its origin:
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is a day the higher classes gave gifts to the lower classes. Before or on December 25th people of similar class would exchange gifts to celebrate the Christmas season. Gifts were not exchanged with the lower class until the next day called Boxing Day. It is also known as St. Stephen’s Day.
Why is the holiday named Boxing Day?
The holiday is named Boxing Day because the tradition of giving gifts of cash, food, clothing and other goods to the less fortunate were placed into boxes for easier transportation. The goods were distributed based on the family needs and their services to the giver.
Purpose of Teaching the Origin and History of Boxing Day
Boxing Day officially began in England in the middle of the 19 century under the rule of Queen Victoria. However, many adults and children do not know the true meaning of Boxing Day and its reasons for celebrating. It was a day to thank the community for all their effort throughout the years. The maids, drivers and other service workers were thanked with gifts of food, money, clothing, and other goods.
As the site further notes, this is an extension of the Christmas season. Since the lower class had to work Christmas Day serving the needs of the upper class, the upper class created this day to make themselves feel better about exploiting others.
No matter how you try to dress this up - it is associated with Christmas.
What is the purpose of it, if it has no real meaning. It is just another day to give gifts.
It is interesting that the English linked it with St. Stephen's Day, and some think that the origins are from the Catholic holy day. While the English may have adopted it, the customs seem to be related to the MASTERS giving their servants a gift to thank them for making the MASTERS' Holiday a success.
In the US, the 26th is the "Returning the Unloved Gifts Back to The Store Day". Avoid all major stores on that day!!
I never heard of it. I would need more information before I could make a scriptural based decision.
I do think it is important to remember those in need throughout the year.
There is no need for Jehovah's Witnesses to answer this question, since you indicate that you only want YOUR answer to it and any other answer is "specious."
There is no need for Christians to celebrate any holiday other than the one mandated by Jesus Christ.
If it is a matter of acts of charity, and you agree that Christians do not limit charity to one specific day of the year, your question is moot.
There is no need for Christians to observe "Boxing Day."
i heard it was an English holiday, that basically was the day (26th) the wealthy gave their servants off and often included boxed gifts, bonuses and leftover food
I agree with Debbie. It's got to be the Christmas connection that turns them off.
Shopping has nothing to do with the birth of Christ.
signed,
Everything you need to know about a President is found at a mattress sale.
So what you are saying is that you wait all year til this one day before you give things to the needy?