May Day is a holiday celebrated on May 1 with two main distinct meanings and traditions: 1. International Workers' Day (Labor Day):
- May Day, also called International Workers' Day or Labour Day, commemorates the struggles and achievements of workers and the labor movement.
- It originated from the labor movement's fight for an eight-hour workday, notably marked by the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago.
- It is observed in many countries with demonstrations, rallies, parades, and political activism advocating for workers' rights, fair wages, and social justice.
- This holiday has strong historical significance in socialist and labor movements worldwide and became a major public holiday in many countries, including those in Europe and the former Soviet Union
2. Traditional May Day Festival (Pagan and Cultural Origins):
- May Day is also an ancient European spring festival celebrating the arrival of summer, fertility, and growth.
- Traditions include decorating with flowers and green branches, crowning a May Queen, dancing around maypoles, singing, and bonfires.
- It is linked to older pagan festivals such as Beltane in Gaelic culture and Floralia in ancient Rome.
- These customs celebrate nature, renewal, and community
In summary, May Day on May 1 is both a day honoring workers and labor rights internationally and a traditional spring festival with roots in ancient European customs. The two meanings coexist but have different historical backgrounds and cultural practices
