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.