Why We Celebrate May 1st: The Story Behind the Holiday That Became a Symbol of Workers' Struggle
May 1st is celebrated today – a holiday for workers that many associate with barbecues, spending time in nature, and a break from everyday life. However, have you ever wondered why this specific date is celebrated around the world, and how it became a symbol of the fight for workers' rights?
TL;DR
- May 1st originated from the 1886 Chicago protests for an eight-hour workday.
- Protests escalated to violence, with police killing four unionists and a bomb explosion leading to the execution of eight anarchists.
- The Second International declared May 1st as International Workers' Day in 1889.
- Serbia began observing May 1st with union gatherings in 1893.
- The US does not celebrate May 1st as Labor Day due to its communist connotations, opting for the first Monday in September.
- In communist countries, May 1st became a major state holiday, often featuring parades and becoming a non-working day with traditions like outdoor gatherings and barbecues.