St Stephen's Feast Day

St Stephen was the first of Christ's disciples to be killed for their beliefs. His feast day falls on the 26th December, the second day of Christmas, and commemorates his work for the poor and his death.

Stephen was born in Jerusalem. He followed Jesus and his teachings, and was one of the first seven deacons chosen by Jesus. He looked after the poor, sick, and widowed families.
He is the Patron Saint of stonemasons and bricklayers. He is also the Patron Saint of horses.
St Stephen died in 35A.D. shortly after the death of Christ. He was stoned to death by a mob outside the walls of Jerusalem, becoming the first Christian martyr.

There is a statue of St Stephen in Budapest, Hungry. St Stephens Feast Day is mentioned in the old English Christmas Carol 'Good King Wenceslas'

St Stephen's Day is celebrated, in Ireland and most of Christian Europe on 26th December instead of Boxing Day. Eastern orthodox Christian countries celebrate St Stephen's Day on 27th December.

Read about St Stephen events in other countries here.

Boxing Day

We know the day after Christmas as Boxing Day, and we know that the TV shows a lot of advertisments for the Boxing Dy Sales, but what is Boxing Day really?
There are a few different versions of what Boxing day is:-

*it was the day one boxes up unwanted gifts to take back to the shop;

*it was the day servants would be given a gift for working on Christmas Day;

*it was the day money collected by the church would be given to the poor;


Boxing Day originates from the martyrdom of St Stephen who helped the poor. It began in the middle ages with wooden alms boxes that were opened the day after Christmas in honour of St Stephen. In 1663, Samuel Pepys wrote about paying the shoemaker, and giving to the boys box for Christmas. Churches would display a donation box and the money raised would be given to the poor on Boxing Day.

However, the term Boxing Day started during the Victorian era. During Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901), when servants worked for the wealthy on Christmas Day, they would be given the next day off to spend with their families. Each servant would be given a gift and left over food to take home to their family. This tradition continues today with some workers being given a "Christmas Bonus".

In Australia, and most Commonwealth Countries, Boxing Day is a public holiday and we traditionally eat the left overs from Christmas Day. Boxing day is also when many sporting events take place. Here in Australia, it is the day of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Ashes Test cricket match. There are also great price reductions in the shops, and shoppers rush to the sales on Boxing Day.

26th December is also St Stephen's Day.

Remembrance Day Questions

Read 'Remembrance Day' and other links to answer these questions:

1. When is Remembrance Day?

2. What was Remembrance Day originally known as?

3. Is Remembrance Day a celebration or a commemoration?


4. List some countries that observe Remembrance Day.

5. In what year did Remembrance Day first occur?

6. What is Remembrance Day known as in the USA?

7. What is a symbol of Remembrance Day and why is it significant?

8. Write a short paragraph about what Remembrance Day means to you.

Remembrance Day

At 11am on the 11^th day of the 11^th month, many around the world stop to commemorate those that fought in wars. 

Originally known as Armistice Day, it has its origins with the signing of the armistice at Compiègne, France at 11am on the 11^th November, 1918, which ended the First World War. 11^th November is a national holiday in France and Belgium, and many countries stop to remember at 11am. In USA 11th November is known as Veterans Day.

In November 1918, the German Army called for a cessation of fighting in order to come to a peaceful settlement, and an unconditional surrender. On the morning of November 11 a meeting was held with all parties and an agreement was signed at 11am.

Armistice Day was first commemorated in 1919, and a 2 minutes silence to remember those who died during the war was introduced. Interestingly, the 2 minute silence was proposed by an Australian journalist Edward Honey, who was working in London. A similar proposal was made about the same time by a South African politician. This led to King George V request a two minute silence at this first commemoration, and this sign of respect has continued each commemoration.

The First World War began in 1914 and lasted until November 1918. It left between 9 and 13 million dead. Over 416,000 Australians served in WW1, and more than 60,000 Australians were killed.

Armistice Day was changed to Remembrance Day after WW2, to commemorate all those killed in both world wars. In 1997, the Australian Governor-General proclaimed that we remember the total loss from all battles with one minute silence, although two minutes silence is still observed in many places.

Today we remember those who died in all conflicts, with one minute silence at 11am, as a sign of respect.

Symbol: red poppies

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