Boxing Day in Finland (Tapaninpäivä)

History and Significance:

• Boxing Day, known as Tapaninpäivä in Finland, is celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas.
• The day has its roots in Christian tradition as the feast day of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
• Historically, it was a day when churches distributed alms from the collection boxes to the poor, hence the term "Boxing Day."

Traditions:

• In earlier times, Tapaninpäivä was associated with horse-related activities. It was customary for young men to ride horses in competitions and for blessings for horses to take place.
• Another old tradition involved going from house to house singing and performing plays dressed in costumes, a practice similar to wassailing or caroling.

Modern Observations:

• Today, Boxing Day is a public holiday in Finland and is typically used as an extended part of Christmas celebrations.
• Many people spend time with family and friends, continuing the festivities from Christmas Day.
• It's common for Finns to relax at home or visit relatives during this time. Some may also go outdoors to enjoy winter activities such as skiing or sledding if weather permits.
• Since it's a public holiday, most businesses are closed. However, some shops may open offering post-Christmas sales.

Social Aspect:

• Tapaninpäivä serves as an additional day of rest and leisure following the excitement of Christmas Eve (Jouluaatto) and Christmas Day (Joulupäivä).
• It is also an opportunity for people who have been busy preparing for Christmas to unwind and enjoy their free time.