Display of traditional Christmas gifts (Photo: Visit Britain)
It’s Christmas, so what would be more appropriate for our Curiosity of the Week than the tradition of Boxing Day itself?
Strangely enough, the exact origin of Boxing Day is unknown. But the earliest mentions of the day point to it being a time when servants and tradesmen would traditionally receive a Christmas box of food and gifts from their employer or from grateful customers.
On Christmas Day many servants would be working, so the following day would be their opportunity to celebrate, or at least have a rare day off. The boxes would be filled by employers with leftover food, money and even small gifts.
Boxing Day is also known for its high-profile sporting fixtures, but here at Contrary Life, the day is most famous for its wealth of quirky customs and daft sporting challenges which take place every year, rain, shine or snow.
If you have an idea for Curiosity of the Week then please do get in touch, we welcome suggestions from everyone. You can contact us by emailing info@contrarylife.com or send us a message via Facebook.
We are always on the lookout for interesting customs, hidden places and unique buildings to share with our readers.