Day of Goodwill – Share the festive cheer

The public holiday that falls on 26 December is officially known as the Day of Goodwill in South Africa, but do you know why?

According to South Africa Explorer on the meaning and descriptions of South African Public Holidays, the Day of Goodwill, previously known as 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 the sharing of festive cheer and goodwill among all people.

Another source indicates that “the Day of Goodwill is a South African holiday that allows many people to give back to society after the Christmas holiday.”

Boxing Day is said to have originated from British culture and dates back as far as the Middle Ages, when it was traditional to give gifts in boxes to less-privileged members of society. The boxes were placed in stores in the period leading up to Christmas and members of the public would put money as well as other donations into them.

The website page at publicholidays.net.za/day-of-goodwill/ states that in 1994, South Africa’s new government replaced Boxing Day with the Day of Goodwill. While the holiday’s traditions did not change, the change of name was quite symbolic, with many South African officials viewing the creation of the Day of Goodwill as an indicator that South Africa was finally independent.

What will you be doing on the Day of Goodwill to live up to its name?

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