Original: May 9, 1662 â "the date on which the figure who later became Mr. Punch made his first recorded appearance in Englandâ" is traditionally reckoned as Punch's UK birthday.
Simplified: May 9, 1662 is said by 'Professors' to be Punch's UK birthday, for that was the first known date on which the figure who later became Mr. Punch was seen in Britain.