About the Day of Goodwill (formerly Boxing Day)
The public holiday that falls on December 26 is officially known as the Day of Goodwill in South Africa, but why?
Until 1994, the day after Christmas (December 26) was known as Boxing Day in South Africa, but since the dawn of the new democracy, it has been renamed and is now known as the Day of Goodwill.
One source indicated that Boxing Day was renamed to remove its connections to South Africa’s colonial past and to be inclusive of all South Africans. The day is now meant for sharing festive cheer and goodwill among all people.
A second source says that ‘the Day of Goodwill is a South African holiday that allows many people to give back to society after the Christmas holiday’, while another source revealed that in British society, Boxing Day was a Middle Ages holiday on which wealthier employers gave boxes to less-privileged members of society such as servants and workers. These boxes often contained money, food and useful items.
What will you be doing on the Day of Goodwill?
Give back to society, hit the beach, spend more time with family and friends or just relax? Whatever it is, send your photos to randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za.
• Sources:
www.wincalendar.com
South Africa Explorer
https://publicholidays.co.za/
