May 1st | May Day | Labour Day

 

 

May Day is a name that relates to some public holidays that occurs in many different countries in the world: for some may 1st is Labour Day, for others 1st of may is Workers' Day but for many it's also the day of the Lily of the Valley flower that is supposed to bring happiness to those who get a bunch of this lovely flower.

Let's see what may 1st holiday is all about...

Labour Day

1st May, Poster of the Italian Socialist Party, 1901

In many European countries, May 1st is Labour Day; which is a bank holiday. Workers will take part to labour day parades, political demonstrations and special celebrations with Trade Unions. 

Let's take the example of May 1st events in Belgium; which is my home country.

Christian and Social Union members will gather in the morning or in the afternoon. They labour day activities include walking down the streets, holding read or orange flags (colors of their Trade Unions or political parties), claiming more rights for workers, requiring solutions to overcome the financial and economical crisis. At the end of the day, they will end up drinking a beer and meeting some of our politics.

In some other countries, May 1st is International Worker's Day instead, as their own Labour Day occurs another day of the year. But then again, political and union celebrations will take place.


Picture: 1st May, Poster of the Italian Socialist Party, 1901 Giclee Print - Buy at AllPosters.com

Meaning of "Labour Day"

 

Labour Day history is quite different in all countries but May 1st mostly celebrates workers and is internationally observed. While labour day is mostly a public holiday, some countries don't allow their workers to take the day off. 

Labour Day was born in the 19th century, when workers had enough to work too many hour and demanded a decrease of their working time. From a strike movement, it has quickly become a popular holiday celebrated by and for workers all around the world.

Which countries don't celebrate Labour Day on May 1st?

 

Parade Garment Workers NYC 1916 print While I won't be listing all countries that don't celebrate Labour Day on May 1st, it's intersting to learn how some occidental countries celebrate this day.

In the United Kingdom, Labour Day occurs the first Monday of May.

Ireland also celebrates this day on the first Monday of May, therefore UK and Ireland's Labour Day 2010 will occur on May 3rd.

The United States and Canada will celebrate their Labour Day 2010 on September 6th (1st Monday of September) however, they observe International Workers' Day on May 1st.

Photo:  Parade Garment Workers NYC 1916 by lc_vintagephotos See other art on zazzle

 

Reference:

 

You can visit Labour Day on Wikipedia if you want to learn more about it.

Wishing you a very happy Labour Day weekend!