Russians are looking forward to the May holidays with particular impatience - there are so many days off at the beginning of the month when the summer season opens! But if every baby knows what May 9 is for Russia today, then few people can clearly tell what exactly we celebrate May 1. We are sorting out together with IA "Amitel" about what May Day is.
If we delve deeply into history, then in ancient times our ancestors organized large-scale celebrations that took place at the end of April and the beginning of May. In this way they tried to propitiate the gods before starting work in the fields. The Slavs celebrated the departure of the spring cold, arranged ceremonial bathing in cold water, burned fires, greeted the goddess Zhiva, who, according to legend, revived nature.
The inhabitants of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome worshiped the goddess Maya, who was the patroness of farmers. In the last month of spring, in honor of the goddess and the beginning of a new harvest season, they held a big holiday.
From history, everyone probably remembers that two centuries ago, the working day of the poor lasted from 12 to 15 hours. On April 21, 1856, protest marches were held in Australia by workers who demanded a reduction in the working day to 8 hours and at the same time not to reduce wages. They managed to get their way. And even without bloodshed
In 1886, in the US and Canada, workers also decided to organize rallies and demonstrations to achieve an 8-hour day, fixed wages and social security. On this day, every city revolted. However, the center of the protests became Chicago, where about 40,000 workers took to the streets. Here the world failed to solve the matter. Thousands of layoffs of workers followed, demonstrations were dispersed with the help of weapons. A lot of people died. In memory of the dead, the Paris Congress of the Second International declared May 1, 1890 the Day of Solidarity of the Workers of the World and proposed to mark it with demonstrations demanding an 8-hour working day and other social demands. The holiday has become an annual event.
How was May Day celebrated in Russia?
In the Russian Empire, May Day was celebrated for the first time in 1890 in Warsaw. This trend was picked up by St. Petersburg, where in 1981, on May 1, a May Day strike of workers took place. In Moscow, the first May Day took place in 1895. Since 1897, May Days began to be political in nature and were accompanied by mass demonstrations. In 1917, May 1 was celebrated openly for the first time. In all the cities of the country, millions of workers took to the streets with the slogans of the Communist Party "All power to the Soviets", "Down with the capitalist ministers".
In 1918, in post-revolutionary Russia, a law was passed that May 1 would be celebrated at the national level.
In the USSR, the May Day demonstrations were of great importance. It was a really big celebration. Organizations have been preparing for it for weeks. In the first years of Soviet power, military equipment went out to the parade in honor of May 1, staged real performances with acrobatic and gymnastic numbers. It was a real holiday, which was expected.
He had many names. Initially, in the USSR, May 1 was called International Day. In 1930, this day was renamed the Holiday of International Solidarity of the Proletariat. During the Great Patriotic War, it was called the Fighting Holiday of the International Proletariat. After that, the official name appeared - International Labor Day. Since 1997, on May 1, we have been celebrating Spring and Labor Day.
May 1 is known to most citizens as a communist-era holiday that survived political changes and remained a red day on the calendar. However, its history originates in ancient times. AT pagan times organized on this day mass festivities in honor of the patroness of fertility - the goddess Maya. By the way, the last spring month is named after this goddess, it is also the first month of sowing.
In 1989, the communists decided to take over the day of mass celebrations from the ancient pagans. In July of that year, at the Second Congress of the International, they adopted a resolution to establish May 1 as the Day of Solidarity of Workers. The holiday was approved in memory of the Chicago workers who waged a heroic struggle against the capitalists and exploiters and went on strike against the working day of 15 hours.
For the first time, May Day was celebrated in the Polish capital - Warsaw. The mass event brought together about 10,000 workers in the central square. They came with slogans in their hands and stood up for their rights without fear.
Soon, May Day began to gradually acquire a political connotation. Opposition politicians gathered for traditional spring May Day meetings, under the guise of an innocent holiday, they made plans and discussed methods for overthrowing the objectionable government. As early as 1901, in a number of cities, including St. Petersburg, Kharkov and Tbilisi, people went to demonstrations with loud slogans: "Down with the autocracy!" Naturally, the authorities did not like these events, so they tried to calm the participants with the help of armed troops.
In Russia, May 1 was openly celebrated only after the 1917 revolution. The first official parade took place on the Khodynka field in 1918. The workers and peasants of the young socialist state traditionally spent the second day of the May Day holidays in nature. Officially, the country declared holidays on the 1st and 2nd.
With the advent of the socialist system in Russia, the May Day holidays acquired a slightly different semantic thread. The holiday has not lost its political coloring and communist mood. However, the citizens of a free country no longer needed to fight for their rights, so they began to support the exploited peoples, fight for peace and for building an equal communist society. The last official May Day procession of the communists took place in 1991.
The changed consciousness of Russian citizens, due to the advent of a new political system, required a revision of the essence of the beloved holiday. Since 1992, it has been renamed to Public Holiday spring and labor. However, this does not prevent representatives of various parties and non-party workers from organizing their own events, demonstrations and actions. On this day, various and contradictory slogans can be observed on the streets and squares of cities.
In the modern Russian calendar, one day is considered an official holiday - May 1. But for the convenience of citizens, neighboring weekends are postponed in such a way as to lengthen the days of rest.
In other countries, May 1 also remains a public holiday. In Kazakhstan, it began to be celebrated as the Day of Unity of Nations, in Spain - the Feast of All Flowers, and in Italy - the happiest day of the year.
For many, May 1 is one of the most beloved holidays. Despite the fact that it falls on the last month of spring, it is he who is considered a symbol of the beginning of warmth and sunshine. And for Russians, it also means the beginning of the May holidays - a series of days free from the bustle of work and dedicated exclusively to relaxing with family and friends.
Despite such love for this date, few people know how the history of May 1 began. If the older generation still remembers the scale of the celebration during the Soviet Union, then for the younger generation this day often means only an additional day off. But at the same time, May Day has a rich history, which will be interesting for everyone to get acquainted with.
This date takes its beginning in the American city of Chicago, where on May 1, 1886 a large-scale protest of workers took place. Tired of unbearable conditions, people demanded that the number of working hours per day be limited to 8. But the rally not only did not achieve its goal, but also led to numerous casualties among the protesters.
The American authorities, who were not going to reduce the 15-hour working day, ordered the police to take harsh measures against the protesters. As a result, a massive fire was opened, which claimed hundreds of lives. Despite this, workers continued to protest on May 1 each year, demanding that their harsh working conditions be taken into account. Such rallies often ended in real fights with the police. It was in memory of the first Chicago protest that the date began to be celebrated, first of all, as Labor Day.
Such mass demonstrations did not go unnoticed. The Congress of the Second International, which was held in Paris in 1889, decided to call May 1 the World Day of Workers' Solidarity. This was done in honor of the workers of Chicago, who were the first to decide to repulse the existing system.
In addition, it was decided at the Congress that people of all states have the right to go to rallies annually on May 1 and put forward their demands, which are of a social nature. Thus, Labor Day was officially recognized at the state level.
The history of the May 1 holiday in Russia begins in 1890, when world communists celebrated this date for the first time. It happened in Warsaw. Inspired by the example of their American colleagues and the actions of the Poles, Russian workers gradually came to the idea of starting protests. The first mass demonstrations of the proletariat were celebrated in 1897, when the holiday acquired a political color.
But, despite the fact that the Labor Day was officially recognized by the authorities, mass festivities were informal for a long time. It was only in 1901 that the first slogans were noticed openly demanding a change of power. By 1912, the number of representatives of the proletariat participating in the May demonstrations reached 400,000. And already in 1917, whole millions of people were marching through the streets, demanding the overthrow of the tsarist government. It was in this year that the Russian holiday became official, and demonstrations and parades began to be held openly.
The coming of the Bolsheviks to power became an important stage in the celebration of May 1, and the history of the holiday took on a different color. The status of this day has also changed. Now the date has been given the title of "the largest holiday in the Soviet Union", which must be celebrated by all the inhabitants of the country.
In each settlement, entire work teams walked along the streets, carrying posters in their hands that reflected the existing ideology. And the reward for the most distinguished was the opportunity to participate in the main parade of the country, which was held on Red Square in the capital.
Despite the fact that initially May Day had a political character, which is why it was celebrated quite strictly, over time it turned into a favorite folk holiday. Slogans calling for action against the capitalist order were replaced by banners on which solemn congratulations were written.
People began to celebrate this date in a family or friendly circle, enjoying a two-day weekend. Traditionally, the first day was devoted to parades, during which political speeches were replaced by congratulations, large-scale processions were held, covered by television. But the second day could be spent on a fun May Day with loved ones and relax before working days.
That is how May 1 or the Spring and Labor Day gradually turned from an annual political rally into a favorite national celebration. Red flags and balloons are the essential attributes of this date. The older generation recalls with pleasure what a unique atmosphere reigned throughout the country at that time. The first real warmth, the feeling of the magic of spring and the opportunity to spend two extra days off with loved ones - this is what May Day symbolized for the working class of the Soviet Union.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, this date is still celebrated. But the former excitement around the holiday is gone, and the main joy from it is the extra days off. The last solemn parade dedicated to May 1 was held in 1990.
Now this day is traditionally celebrated with a picnic, and for many residents of the country this is an additional opportunity to work in the garden.
Despite the fact that the holiday no longer pleases people on such a scale, its significance has not been forgotten. The famous slogan "Peace! Work! May!" still continues to sound in congratulations. The warm holiday, which rallied the entire working class, will remain among the most beloved.
This day is celebrated not only in the USA and Russia. The number of countries that have joined the celebration of the significant date is 142. Most of them celebrate it on May 1, but there are states where celebrations are held on the first Monday of the month.
This holiday is especially loved in:
Each country has its own tradition of celebrating May Day. For example, young Spaniards on this day present their halves with the first spring flowers that bloom by this time.
And in Germany, large-scale festivities, entire fairs and fun dances are held. In addition, there is a wonderful tradition here - young people in love plant a tree in front of the window of their chosen one.
On the night of April 30 to May 1, giant fires are lit in Swedish cities, in which garbage that has accumulated all year is burned. After that, it's time for dancing and fun. And in the morning, various rallies in support of the working class begin.
In Greece, this day is a holiday symbolizing the change of seasons. Young girls collect the first flowers, weave wreaths from them and decorate their homes.
In France, May Day is associated with lilies of the valley. It is these flowers, personifying happiness, that the French give when congratulating each other.
Italians on this day return to the pagan origins of the holiday. Flower festivals are held in honor of the goddesses Maya and Flora.
In Holland, May Day is the time of the Tulip Festival. Many people from all over the world specially come here to look at this colorful spectacle.
Thus, May 1 is a wonderful holiday that unites different nations. It does not matter which version of the celebration is held in the country. In any case, this is a bright spring holiday that brings a lot of positive emotions.
Traditionally, the beginning of May is perceived as an occasion for rest. After all, for Russians this is the beginning of the May holidays, including the Day of Spring and Labor. But not everyone can tell what history May Day has, and how the name and traditions of the holiday have changed.
If you delve into history, then in ancient times our ancestors held large-scale celebrations that fell at the end of April and the beginning of May. In this way they tried to propitiate the gods before starting work in the fields. So, the inhabitants of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome in the last spring month held a big holiday in honor of the goddess Maya, who was the patroness of farmers.
The Slavs celebrated the departure of the spring cold and welcomed the goddess Zhiva, who, according to legend, had the power to revive nature. During the celebrations, people arranged bathing in cold water and burned ritual fires on the banks of the rivers.
Two centuries ago, the working day of the poor lasted from 12 to 15 hours, which naturally greatly tired the people. On April 21, 1856, protest marches were held in Australia by workers who demanded a reduction in the working day to 8 hours and at the same time not to reduce wages. They managed to get their way.
Successful Australian strikes inspired Americans to fight for their rights. On May 1, 1886, mass protests took place in many US cities. Chicago became their center of protests, where about 40,000 workers took to the streets, demanding a reduction in the working day to 8 hours. The demonstrators were brutally dispersed by the police, and the very next day, about 1,000 workers were left on the street without work. The mass layoffs set the working class on a new wave of discontent. During new demonstrations, many protesters were shot.
In memory of the dead, the Paris Congress of the Second International declared May 1, 1890 the Day of Solidarity of the Workers of the World and proposed to mark it with demonstrations demanding an 8-hour working day and other social demands. The holiday has become an annual event.
Labor rally in Chicago In the Russian Empire, May Day was celebrated for the first time in 1890 in Warsaw. The following year, St. Petersburg celebrated the Day of the Workers of the World, though clandestinely. May 1 was first openly celebrated in Russia in 1917. In all the cities of the country, millions of workers took to the streets with the slogans of the Communist Party "All power to the Soviets", "Down with the capitalist ministers".
In 1918, in post-revolutionary Russia, a law was passed that May 1 would be celebrated at the national level. Initially, this holiday was called International Day. Since 1930, May 1 has been known as the International Solidarity Day of the Proletariat. During the Great Patriotic War, it was renamed the Combat Festival of the International Proletariat. Only after that did the official name appear - International Labor Day. Since 1997, May 1, Russians celebrate the Day of Spring and Labor.
The tradition of holding demonstrations on this day has been preserved. Rallies are held by political parties and trade unions. On the first day of May, many people go out to their summer cottages or garden plots with pleasure, and spend the holiday of workers, working on the ground. People also often go out on May 1 for a picnic with family or friends.
The first day of May is officially celebrated as a national holiday in more than 60 countries around the world. Including in Austria, France, China, Turkey, Belgium, etc. Some countries also have their own Labor Day holiday, but celebrate it on a different day. For example, in the United States it is celebrated on the first Monday in September.
The holiday of May 1 or May Day is well known in Russia, the USA, European countries and is celebrated on May 1, or on the first day off of the month. In the recent past, in the Soviet Union, the May Day celebrations were referred to as the “Day of International Solidarity of Workers”, had the status of a state holiday, with fixed days off.
In other states, the celebration, which takes place in the first days of the spring month, is called "Spring Day", "Labor Day", etc. In Russia, since 1997, the first day of May has been referred to as "The Holiday of Spring and Labor." It is customary to look for the origins of May Day in paganism, it is popular among citizens, with a geography that spans several continents.
The ancient Romans began to celebrate the holiday of spring about 3 thousand years ago. After sowing, in order to obtain a good harvest, sacrifices were made to the goddess of the earth and fertility, Maya. The ancient Greeks cut down the branches of the sacred Attis pine tree, dressed them up with fur decorations and solemnly brought them into the pantheon. On the way, they danced, sang songs and rejoiced, trying to propitiate the forces of nature. It is possible that since then the tradition of the spring festival has gone.
Related materials:
Why do eclipses happen?
In France, Germany, Austria and some other countries of Western Europe, the night from April 30 to May 1 is known as Walpurgis Night. According to popular belief, it was at this time that the revelry " evil spirits". The people gather together, burn bonfires, dance round dances around them, sing songs and even shoot, in order to scare away the "evil spirits" in this way.
The world-famous "Tulip Festival" takes place in Holland in the last week of April and the first of May. And the main day off is called "Onion Sunday". In rural areas, boys and girls are distributed in pairs on a special list. Then the paper with the names is hung out in a conspicuous place.
On May 1, Spain celebrates "Green Santiago" - a holiday of flowers and lovers. Flowers are interspersed in the hair and clothes of the girls, and gentlemen, accompanying their beloved, sing love serenades to them.
In Scandinavian countries, mass fun on Walpurgis Night is also accompanied by bonfires and round dances with loud singing and shooting to scare away trolls. And the first day of May is called "Cuckoo Day".
Related materials:
Why does a black widow eat her husband?
The tradition of celebrating May 1 originated in the 19th century in the United States. In 1886, in Chicago, the workers organized a strike and called on all those who were not indifferent to take to the streets. At the same time, the main demand was put forward - the reduction of the working day from 15 to 8 hours. It was on May 1 that mass demonstrations of workers began in the city, tired of the difficult working conditions and low wages. Communists, socialists and other parties of the "left" have united, thus trying to focus the attention of the authorities on the unbearable life of workers. The government, in turn, declared the strike illegal and the demands unfounded. To suppress the protesters, in the main center of the fight against capitalist arbitrariness at that time - Chicago, police detachments were put forward. Further, events developed on the rise.
The police used firearms to disperse the demonstrators. The first victims appeared in the ranks of the protesters. Already on May 3, at one of the private factories, the police opened fire on the workers to kill. Two people were killed and dozens injured. The next day, at one of the protest rallies in Haymarket, a protester threw a bomb at a detachment of government officials. Bottom line: 8 dead policemen, several hundred wounded, on both sides. And among the victims were many women and children. In the early morning of the next day, police agents broke into apartments, smashed printing houses and clubs, arresting everyone in a row, looking for "suspicious individuals." As a result, 8 anarchist workers were sentenced to death.
Related materials:
How and why do icicles form?
The Paris Congress of the Second International, held after 3 years, in July 1889, called for naming May 1 - "World Day of Workers' Solidarity", in memory of the struggle of the American proletariat for their rights.
The following year, on the first day of May, demonstrations in solidarity took place in the United States, Germany, Austria-Hungary, France and other European powers.
In the Russian Empire, in Warsaw, on May 1, 1891, the communists, under the guise of folk festivals, organized the first mass procession. In the same year, in Brussels, at the next congress of the II International, it was decided that each country has the right to independently set the date for the action. Since then, in some countries, including in the British Isles, demonstrations have been postponed to the first May holiday.
It should be noted that the demonstrations at that time were held under the guise of folk fun, festivities, and only by the end of the 19th century began to acquire a political connotation.
