Saturday, January 1, 2011

Boxing Day

Many countries celebrate "Boxing Day" on Dec. 26. (Yes, I know the date has passed but I don't make New Year's resolutions until later in January.)

Boxing Day is celebrated in Great Britain, many European countries as well as Africa, Hong Kong, and even Canada. It has nothing to do with the sport of boxing. It has everything to do with actual boxes. The exact origin isn't known but the European tradition began in the Middle Ages when boxes were placed in front of churches for special offerings for the Feast of St. Stephen. In Victorian times wealthy landowners would give servants boxes containing gifts and bonus pay as well as giving them leave to visit their own homes. (Tradesmen were also given boxes with the same for good service and to help ensure good service in the following year, the same reason we tip mail and newspaper carriers.)

The Starving Artists Team has members from all corners of the world. So, I thought I might fill my box with this beautiful bead from England's
Beadupastorm




From Canada, in keeping with the season, this sweet little bird in Sterling Silver from 2BellesBeads



Also from Canada, a beautiful sterling silver and copper ring, from
TJRJewellery




And last but definitely not least, from Germany, this necklace with a wire crochet bezel from
Cat's Wire




The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the Etsy Starving Jewelry Artists team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current Etsy shop members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.


11 comments:

Cat said...

Thanks for the interesting info!
I love this international team, thank you for including my pendant! :-)

And a Happy New Year to all of you!

mcstoneworks said...

Very interesting post. We do have members in all corners of the world. It's nice to see their beautiful work.

Crystal is actually a Texan, though.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pieces, I adore the mixed metal ring.

Caron Michelle said...

I love that there are so many people from around the world that represent this wonderful team, great post.

Atelier MariT said...

Great post, like the story behind boxing day which does not exist here.

Ness said...

It's great to be part of this wonderful international team! I never thought about the origins of Boxing Day before. Thanks for including my bead!

Happy New Year :)

Unknown said...

This is very interesting, especially since I've heard of Boxing Day, but embarrassingly, I thought it was about Boxing, the sport, lol! Shows how much I knew. Thanks for educating me!

Happileerving said...

Thanks for the history of Boxing day. It was always just words on a calendar before reading this. Your choices are fabulous we do have a fabulous international group of artists. I am grateful to be a part of us.
Bonnie

Unknown said...

Beautiful items and interesting post! I love seeing the wonderful works of the members of SATEAM!

tjrjewellery said...

Yay for SATeam having members from all over the world! Interacting with people in different countries makes life interesting!

Stacie @ azoho.com said...

Great info about boxing day. Love that sterling & copper ring.