Today’s lesson is about understanding text and then asking significant questions to gain further understanding. Student Instructions: Read a section and then ask your teacher two questions about the section to further your understanding of the topic. The questions should be about historical context. If there are new words in the text please ask about the words separately.
TEXT ONE: Boxing Day 26th December
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, on December 26th, the day after Christmas. Its origins date back several centuries and are rooted in historical traditions, social practices, and religious customs.
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Historical Roots and Etymology:
The exact origins of Boxing Day are somewhat uncertain, but it is generally believed to have emerged during the medieval period in England. The term “Boxing Day” is thought to derive from the tradition of giving Christmas boxes—containers filled with money, gifts, or food—to those in need or to service workers. These boxes were often placed in churches and opened on the day after Christmas, symbolizing charity and generosity.
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Charitable Traditions:
During the Victorian era, the practice of charitable giving became more formalized. Wealthy families would open their Christmas boxes and distribute the contents to their servants and the poor. Servants, who had to work on Christmas Day serving their employers, were given the following day off to visit their families and receive gifts, often in the form of money or presents from their employers. This act of giving and charity contributed to the development of Boxing Day as a day of generosity and giving to those less fortunate.
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Feudal and Religious Significance:
In earlier times, Boxing Day also had religious significance. It was associated with the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose day is celebrated on December 26th. St. Stephen was known for his acts of charity and helping the poor, aligning with the themes of kindness and giving that characterize Boxing Day.
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Modern Celebrations:
Today, Boxing Day is recognized as a public holiday in many countries and has evolved into a day associated with shopping, sporting events, and spending time with family. While the charitable aspect remains important, especially in charitable organizations and community service, the holiday has also become a major retail event, with stores offering significant sales and discounts.
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In summary, Boxing Day’s origins lie in historical practices of charity, the tradition of giving Christmas boxes, and religious commemorations. Over centuries, it has transformed from a day of charitable giving and service to a broader festive occasion marked by shopping, sports, and family gatherings, while still retaining its core themes of generosity and community support.
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TEXT TWO: The Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree is one of the most iconic symbols of the holiday season, cherished around the world for its festive beauty and deep historical roots. Its origins can be traced back thousands of years, evolving through various ancient traditions, religious practices, and cultural customs.
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Ancient Roots and Pre-Christian Traditions:
Long before the Christian era, evergreen trees and plants played a significant role in pagan winter solstice celebrations across different civilizations. Ancient peoples, such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Druids, regarded evergreens as symbols of life and resilience during the dark, cold months of winter. Egyptians used evergreen trees to symbolize eternal life, while Romans celebrated the festival of Saturnalia with decorated evergreen branches as symbols of hope and renewal.
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The Germanic and Norse Traditions:
In Northern Europe, particularly among the Germanic and Norse peoples, ancient winter festivals involved decorating homes with evergreens like holly, ivy, and fir to ward off evil spirits and to honour the rebirth of nature. These decorations were believed to bring good luck and protect the household during the long winter months.
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The Christian Adoption:
The tradition of the Christmas tree as we know it today began to take shape in the Middle Ages in Germany. By the 16th century, devout Christians in Germany started bringing decorated trees into their homes during the Christmas season. One of the earliest documented instances of a decorated Christmas tree was in the 16th century, when devout Christians brought evergreen trees into their houses and decorated them with apples, nuts, and candles to celebrate the feast of Christ.
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The Role of Martin Luther:
A popular legend attributes the modern Christmas tree’s origin to Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, who is said to have been inspired by the beauty of starlit evergreens. According to the story, Luther was walking through a forest and was struck by the sight of stars twinkling through the branches of a tree. He brought a small fir tree into his home and decorated it with candles to recreate that celestial scene, symbolizing the divine light of Christ.
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The Spread Across Europe:
The Christmas tree tradition spread from Germany to other parts of Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly among the aristocracy. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularized the tradition in Britain after they adopted it in the 19th century, making it a widespread custom in English-speaking countries. The tradition also gained popularity in North America, especially with German immigrants bringing their customs to the New World.
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Modern Christmas Tree:
Today, the Christmas tree is a central element of holiday celebrations worldwide. It is decorated with lights, ornaments, tinsel, and often topped with a star or angel, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem or the angelic hosts announcing Jesus’ birth. The tradition has evolved to include artificial trees and a variety of decorative styles, but its core symbolism remains rooted in themes of life, hope, and renewal.
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In conclusion, the Christmas tree’s origins are rich and multifaceted, blending ancient pagan symbols, Christian traditions, and cultural developments over centuries. What began as a symbol of life during the winter solstice has become an enduring emblem of Christmas cheer, family togetherness, and festive spirit celebrated across the globe.