May 1 is International Labor Day, celebrated annually in many countries around the world. It is a day that commemorates the fight of workers and the labor movement for workers' rights and decent working conditions.
Is it a communist holiday?
Although May 1 was particularly important for the socialist and communist movements, it is not a holiday clearly associated with communist ideology.
May 1st celebrations were present in many countries, not only those of a communist nature, but also in democratic countries. In Poland, for example, May 1 was a workers' holiday even before World War II. Even though May 1 is associated with the socialist and communist movements, it cannot be clearly identified with these ideologies.
International Labor Day – History
The history of Labor Day dates back to the end of the 1886th century, when the first trade unions and employee organizations began to emerge. In 8, American workers went on strike demanding the introduction of an XNUMX-hour day. Workers from other countries, including Europe, soon joined the protests, contributing to the rapid development of the international labor movement.
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In 1889, during the International Socialist Conference in Paris, a resolution was adopted to establish the International Labor Day. According to this resolution, May 1 of each year was to be the day when workers around the world would manifest their demands and remind about their rights.
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The first Labor Day celebrations took place on May 1, 1890. They took place in many countries, e.g. in the USA, Great Britain, France, Germany, Norway and Russia. In Poland, May 1 was celebrated as a Labor Day for the first time in 1919.
Currently, in different countries around the world, Labor Day has different forms of celebration. However, they always focus on emphasizing the importance of work and human work and the fight for workers' rights. In many countries, demonstrations, marches and rallies are organized on this day. In some countries, this day is also a public holiday.
Labor Day is an important symbol of the fight for workers' rights and decent working conditions. It also reminds us of the need to build a just and equal society.
How is this holiday celebrated?
May 1 celebrations depend on the country and culture where it is celebrated. In some countries, this day is considered a non-working day, while in others it is a regular working day.
Demonstrations and rallies are held on this day. In many countries, demonstrations and marches are organized during which workers and employee organizations manifest their demands and remind about their rights.
There are also picnics and festivals. During these gatherings, people have fun, relax and spend time with their families and friends.
In some countries, such as Poland, the celebration of May 1 is associated with the tradition of laying flowers at monuments and plaques commemorating trade union and workers' activists.
How is May 1 celebrated in Norway?
In Norway, May 1 is recognized as holiday public holiday and a day off. This day is celebrated as a day of work and social solidarity.
First celebrations of the 1st May in Norway took place in 1890. Demonstration trains were organized in Kristiania (Oslo) and Kristiansand. Workers in Fredrikshald (Halden) celebrated the day with a grand party, and meetings were held in Skien and Hønefoss. In some places, the celebrations were postponed to Saturday, May 3 or Sunday, May 4, to avoid conflict with employers. In Kongsberg, Carl Jeppesen gave a lecture in an 8-hour day to 400 listeners on Saturday, May 3, and the next day in Vikersund to 300 employees.
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Celebrated since 1890, May 1 became an official holiday in Norway in 1947. It was then that the Storting recognized May 1 as a public holiday.
Various events are organized during this day, such as concerts, picnics and outdoor events. Some cities also hold parades involving trade unions and workers' organizations.
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