- Also called:
- Boxing Day, Wren Day, or Constitution Day
- Related Topics:
- Boxing Day
- December
St. Stephenâs Day
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What is St. Stephenâs Day?
St. Stephenâs Day is a holiday observed in honor of two Christian saints named Stephen. In many countries, December 26 commemorates St. Stephen, a Christian deacon in Jerusalem, believed to be the first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death in 36 CE. In Hungary, August 20 is observed in honor of King Stephen, who united the country under Christianity in 1000 CE. The celebration also commemorates the date of his canonization, which occurred on August 20, 1083. Celebrations in Hungary include official ceremonies, fireworks, and parades. Hungarians anticipate the selection of the Cake of Hungary in an annual contest.
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Who was St. Stephen?
Saint Stephen, a Christian deacon in Jerusalem, is revered as the first Christian martyr, having been stoned to death around 36 CE. A Hellenist, he was known for his evangelical work among Diaspora Jews, but his criticisms of the Temple in Jerusalem led to his trial before the Sanhedrin. Stephen's defense enraged his Jewish audience, resulting in his execution. In his final moments, he echoed Jesus's words by praying for forgiveness for his attackers. In Roman Catholicism, Stephen is the patron saint of deacons, bricklayers, and stonemasons.
St. Stephen's Day is observed on December 26 in many countries.
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When is St. Stephenâs Day celebrated?
St. Stephenâs Day is observed in honor of two Christian saints named Stephen. December 26 is a day to commemorate St. Stephen, a Christian deacon in Jerusalem who was the first Christian martyr. In Hungary, St. Stephen's Day is celebrated on August 20 in honor of King Stephen, who united the country under Christianity in 1000 CE. The celebration also commemorates the date of his canonization, which occurred on August 20, 1083. Celebrations in Hungary include the raising of the Hungarian flag and carrying the relics of St. Stephenâs right hand through the streets.
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Why do people celebrate St. Stephenâs Day?
St. Stephen's Day is observed in honor of two Christian saints named Stephen.
Many countries celebrate St. Stephen, a Christian deacon in Jerusalem and the first Christian martyr, on December 26. He was stoned to death in 36 CE for his defense of the Christian faith before a rabbinic court.
In Hungary, St. Stephen's Day is celebrated on August 20 to commemorate King Stephen, who united the country under Christianity in 1000 CE. The celebration also marks the date of his canonization on August 20, 1083. Festivities include the raising of the Hungarian flag, parades, fireworks, and the presentation of the Cake of Hungary.
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How is St. Stephenâs Day celebrated in different countries?
Saint Stephen's Day is observed in different ways depending on the country. December 26 is a day to commemorate St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, in many countries. In Ireland, it is also known as Wren Day, where "wren boys" parade while collecting money for charity. Some continue the tradition of going house to house. Hungary, however, celebrates St. Stephen's Day on August 20 to commemorate King Stephen, who united the country under Christianity. Celebrations involve raising the Hungarian flag, processions with St. Stephen's relics, fireworks, parades, and the presentation of the Cake of Hungary.
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What traditions and customs are connected with St. Stephenâs Day?
St. Stephen's Day, observed on December 26 in many countries, commemorates St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Customs vary by region.
In Ireland, it's also called Wren Day. "Wren boys" would hunt a wren, attach it to a decorated pole, and carry it door-to-door, singing for money. This tradition stems from a legend where a wren betrayed St. Stephen. Parades with masked and costumed "wren boys" or "straw boys" collecting money for charity also occur.
In Hungary, St. Stephen's Day is celebrated on August 20 with flag-raising ceremonies, processions of St. Stephen's relics, fireworks, and the presentation of the Cake of Hungary. Scandinavians observe the day by visiting friends and attending parties.
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St. Stephenâs Day, the name for either of two holidays that are observed in honor of two Christian saints, both of whom are named Stephen. In many countries December 26 commemorates the life of St. Stephen, a Christian deacon in Jerusalem who is believed to have been the first Christian martyr (he was stoned to death in 36 ce). In Hungary August 20 is observed in honor of King Stephen, who united the country under Christianity in 1000 ce. The celebration also commemorates the date of his canonization, which occurred on August 20, 1083.
Boxing Day traditions
In the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, the December 26 holiday is commonly known as Boxing Day. Explanations for the origin of the name have varied, with some believing that it derived from the opening of alms boxes that had been placed in churches for the collection of donations to aid the poor. Others have held that the name came from the boxes of gifts given to employees on the day after Christmas (December 25). (For more details about Boxing Day festivities, see Boxing Day.)
St. Stephenâs Day in Ireland
In Ireland the holiday is also called Wren Day (Irish: LĂĄ an DreoilĂn), because in the past a wren would be hunted and killed and then attached to a pole or a branch of holly decorated with ribbons. The wren was then taken door-to-door by âwren boys,â young boys who asked for money in exchange for burying the wren. Typically, the boys sang a song at each home they visited:
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The wren, the wren, the king of all birds
on St. Stephenâs Day was caught in a furze.
So up with the kettle and down with the pan
and give us a penny to bury the wren.
This tradition of wren hunting comes from an Irish legend that says a wren betrayed St. Stephen as he was hiding from his attackers by flapping its wings or singing, thereby giving away the saintâs whereabouts. Wrens were therefore considered harbingers of misfortune. Capturing one and burying it on St. Stephenâs Day ensured good luck for the upcoming new year.
The dayâs festivities also included parades featuring boys and menâalso called âwren boys,â or âstraw boysâ or âmummersââdressed up in masks and costumes or in suits made of straw. As they processed through their villages, they would collect money for a charity while dancing, singing, and playing music. In some communities, these groups were led by a man dressed as a âhobby horse,â whose costume was made from cloth and a wooden frame.
The tradition of wren hunting died out in the 20th century, but Wren Day parades are still a feature in some parts of Ireland, particularly in Dublin; Dingle, County Kerry; and Carrigaline, County Cork. Additionally, women and girls frequently participate as mummers or âwren girls.â
The tradition of going house to house on St. Stephenâs Day survives in many other countries, especially in Scandinavia, where the day is observed by visiting friends and going to parties.
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St. Stephenâs Day in Hungary
In Hungary August 20 is celebrated as St. Stephenâs Day in commemoration of when King Stephenâs relics were transferred to Buda (now part of Budapest), where they are held in a basilica named for the saint. In 1949 the countryâs communist regime promulgated a new constitution on that day with the intent of transforming the Christian-themed holiday into a politically inspired one, which they renamed Constitution Day. Following the collapse of the communist state in Hungary, however, the holiday was again celebrated as St. Stephenâs Day.
The celebrations include official ceremonies such as the raising of the Hungarian flag in Kossuth Square in front of the parliament building in Budapest. Another ritual entails carrying the case containing the relics of St. Stephenâs right hand (known as the Szent Jobb, Hungarian: âHoly Rightâ) in processions throughout the cityâs streets. Festivities include fireworks and parades. Hungarians especially look forward to the presentation of the Cake of Hungary, which is a cake that is selected in an annual contest and served throughout Hungary beginning on August 19. The winning cake is typically given a fanciful name that reflects its flavor or otherwise evokes the national celebration.