Boxing Day, The Longest Tradition Most Awaited By English Football Lovers

English league match illustration (Twitter @premierleague)

JAKARTA - In England, December 26 is the biggest day on the football calendar. Known as Boxing Day, it is one of the most anticipated days since the start of the season.

Boxing Day has been an official holiday in England since 1871. However, the tradition can be traced back to the Middle Ages.

The servants of the wealthy were allowed to visit their families the day after Christmas as gifts for their year-round work and they were given boxes of gifts, cash bonuses and even leftovers. In Victorian times, this policy was extended to merchants and other workers as well.

The name Boxing Day is closely related to Saint Stephen's Day, a Christian celebration, which falls on December 26. On that date, the church places boxes to collect offerings for the poor (that's what 'boxing' means in Boxing Day).

Ironically, Boxing Day is now one of the biggest shopping days in the UK, the UK equivalent of Black Friday.

Why is Boxing Day in Football So Important?

The first Boxing Day match in English football history was played on 26 December 1860, between local rivals Sheffield FC and Hallam FC. This is the oldest derby match in the world.

However, the tradition of Boxing Day matches most likely started during the First World War.

The Christmas truce of 1914-1915 allowed troops to leave their trenches and kick a soccer ball in the barren area between enemy lines known as no man's land.

Although most of the matches took place between troops, there is evidence to suggest that matches were also played between warring nations

"England brought the soccer ball from the trench, and soon there was a lively match," said Lieutenant Kurt Zehmisch of the 134th Saxon Infantry Regiment told the18.com, Saturday, December 26, "How incredibly beautiful, but how strange it is"

When professional football returned to England in 1919, the club played home and away matches against the same opponents on December 25 and 26, a tradition that continued until 1959.

Now, more than a century later, the Boxing Day tradition continues. When most European countries have their winter breaks, the English and Scottish leagues play matches during the Christmas celebration period.

Boxing Day is always a well-attended match. The reason is, fans who have not attended many of their favorite club's matches on previous matchdays will try to take to the field on December 26.

Boxing Day has historically been known for its wild and unpredictable matches. One of the most memorable matchdays took place in 1963, when 66 goals were scored in 10 First Division matches.

Boxing Day in 1963 ... pic.twitter.com/0DlJay1kUd

- SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 12, 2016

These matches are often marked by bad weather and worse field conditions, but nothing can dampen the party atmosphere.

This season, the Premier League will play three games on Boxing Day and six games the following day. This match will feature Aston Villa versus Crystal Palace, Fulham against Southampton and an exciting match between title contenders Leicester City and Manchester United.

Unfortunately, not all matches can be attended by spectators because the COVID-19 pandemic is still stinging.

Let's hope that the Boxing Day matches next year and the following years are back to normal and more entertaining than this year.