What is "handsel monday"

Handsel \Hand"sel\ (h[a^]nd"s[e^]l), n. [Written also hansel.] [OE. handsal, hansal, hansel, AS. handselena giving into hands, or more prob. fr. Icel. handsal; hand hand + sal sale, bargain; akin to AS. sellan to give, deliver. See Sell, Sale. ]

1. A sale, gift, or delivery into the hand of another; especially, a sale, gift, delivery, or using which is the first of a series, and regarded as an omen for the rest; a first installment; an earnest; as the first money received for the sale of goods in the morning, the first money taken at a shop newly opened, the first present sent to a young woman on her wedding day, etc.

   Their first good handsel of breath in this world.
   --Fuller.

   Our present tears here, not our present laughter, Are but the handsels of our joys hereafter.
   --Herrick.

2. Price; payment. [Obs.]
   --Spenser.

   Handsel Monday, the first Monday of the new year, when handsels or presents are given to servants, children, etc.

Handsel Monday is the first Monday of the year, particularly as used to be celebrated in Scotland and northern England. Among the rural population of Scotland, Auld Hansel Monday, is traditionally celebrated on the first Monday after January 12. This custom reflects a reluctance to switch from the old ( Julian) style calendar to the new ( Gregorian) calendar.