May 1 what. The first of May - what are we celebrating? May what holiday is the official name: holiday traditions

The holiday, which is celebrated in Russia, the United States and a number of countries in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia on the first day of May, is known under several names - International Workers' Day, Spring and Labor Day, Labor Day, Spring Day. IN Soviet time Most Russians named this holiday according to the date of its holding - May 1 or May Day.

The history of the tradition of celebrating May Day is connected with the events that took place in the United States in Chicago in the 19th century. On May 1, 1886, large-scale rallies and demonstrations of workers began in the city demanding an eight-hour working day. The action ended in clashes with the police. On May 3, at the Cyrus McCormick Harvester Plant, police opened fire on strikers, killing at least two workers. On May 4, at a protest rally in the Haymarket, a terrorist threw a bomb at police officers, who responded by firing into the crowd. Sixty police officers were injured, eight were killed, the exact number of dead workers was not determined. The police arrested hundreds of citizens, seven anarchist workers were sentenced to death.

In July 1889, the Paris Congress of the Second International, at the suggestion of the French delegate Raymond Lavigne, in solidarity with the Chicago workers, decided to hold annual labor demonstrations on May 1.

On May 1, 1890, the holiday was first held in Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, USA, Norway, France and Sweden. May 4th in the UK. The main slogan of the demonstrations was the demand for an eight-hour working day.

In 1891, by decision of the Brussels Congress of the Second International, sections of the International in each country were given the right to independently set the date and form of celebration on May 1, after which in Great Britain and some other countries the demonstrations were transferred to the first Sunday of May.

On May 1, 1891, the Social Democratic group of the revolutionary Mikhail Brusnev organized the first celebratory gathering of workers in Petrograd (St. Petersburg).

After the October Revolution of 1917, the holiday became official. It was enshrined in the Code of Labor Laws (in the appendix to article 104) and was called International Day.

In honor of the holiday in Moscow, the first May Day parade of the Red Army took place on the Khodynka field, in which about 30 thousand people participated. Military parades as part of the celebration of May 1 became traditional and were held annually.

On July 30, 1928, by a decree of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee of the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR, the days off of Soviet citizens became longer - there were two Days of the International - on May 1 and 2.

The first air parade took place over Red Square. From that moment on, air parades were held regularly until the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, as an integral part of the demonstration of Soviet military power. These parades showed the achievements of the Soviet aircraft industry, such as the Maxim Gorky aircraft, the fastest I-16 fighter of its time, and others.

On May 1, 1956, a television report was made for the first time about a military parade and a demonstration of workers on Red Square.

From now on festive events on Red Square was annually broadcast by central TV channels.

In 1970, the Fundamentals of Labor Legislation of the USSR assigned a new name to the holiday: May 1 and 2 officially became the Days of International Solidarity of Workers.

On May 1, 1990, the official May Day demonstration took place for the last time.

An alternative column with anti-communist and anti-Soviet slogans entered Red Square. USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev and other leaders of the country left the podium of the Mausoleum, the television broadcast of the event was stopped, and the military parade did not take place.

In 1992, International Workers' Day was renamed Spring and Labor Day.

The history of May 1 for children

May 1 - Spring and Labor Day

About the holiday May 1 for children. Interesting and helpful information about May Day.

For many years, May Day has been called International Workers' Day. Every year on this day, schoolchildren, students and workers went to the demonstration.

The adults carried large flags, flowers and banners in their hands, while the children had small flags and banners in their hands. air balloons. Everyone rejoiced at the spring, the renewal of nature and the warm rays of the sun. Returning home, everyone sat down at the festive table.

May Day was a great occasion to send friends and family Greeting Cards and wish you health and happiness.

On May 1, 1990, the last May Day demonstration took place. The Day of International Solidarity of Workers lost its political character and was renamed the Holiday of Spring and Labor. Today it is not celebrated as actively as in the past. But, since this day is a day off, people have the opportunity to take a break from work, invite guests or go to visit and have a good time on a good spring day. And some, on the contrary, believe that on Labor Day you must definitely work - they go to the dacha and work in the garden.

How May Day is celebrated in different countries

America

Labor Day in the United States is not celebrated on May 1, but on the first Monday in September. But on May 1, Americans have a custom to sing and dance around the Maypole (this custom came to America from Europe). Children collect spring flowers in paper baskets. They put these baskets under the door of close friends and relatives, and then they press the bell and run away. Someone opens the door, and there is a pleasant surprise!

England

In ancient times, on the first day of May, the Celts celebrated Beltane - a holiday whose name means "Cheerful Bonfire" in translation. It was dedicated to the sun and pasture of cattle to summer pastures. Residents collected firewood for sacred fires. They piled them on the hills and set them on fire at dawn. Cattle were driven from pastures and led between fires. Thus, they paid tribute to the sun and tried to propitiate the forces of nature. Of course, today Beltane is no longer celebrated like that - they just arrange processions and mass festivities.

Germany

German youths secretly plant may trees in front of the windows of their beloved girls. Nice tradition, right? And the holiday could have turned out to be very pleasant, if not for one circumstance. On May 1, numerous parties and movements hold rallies, which very often end in fights and brawls.

In general, in Germany, the night from April 30 to May 1 is Walpurgis Night! Tradition says that at this time the witches hold a sabbath on Mount Brocken. And that's why this legend appeared. In the Middle Ages, some Germanic tribes did not want to accept Christianity and secretly arranged bonfires with dances, worshiping pagan gods. Well, legends began to circulate among the people that it was witches who were going to the Sabbath.

Greece

In Greece, it is customary to celebrate the transition of spring into summer. Wreaths are hung over the entrance to the house, symbolizing the onset of the flower festival. Early in the morning, girls in the villages dress up in elegant national dresses and go to pick flowers to weave wreaths and decorate their houses with them. The Greeks also arrange processions with flowers in honor of the arrival of summer.

Italy

The Italian holiday has ancient pagan roots. And it's called Labor Day for a reason. The fact is that three thousand years ago, the inhabitants of Ancient Italy worshiped the goddess Maya, the patroness of the earth and fertility. It was in her honor that the last month of spring was named May. Well, on the first day of May, celebrations and festivities were arranged.

The ancient Romans in late April - early May held festivals called Floralia, which were dedicated to Flora - the goddess of flowers and youth. Today, the inhabitants of Italy also revere this goddess: they hold festivals of flowers, bring flowers to the temple. Well, in Sicily on May Day, everyone collects meadow daisies - according to local beliefs, these flowers bring happiness. The Italians have another wonderful tradition - the decoration of the "May Day tree". Moreover, they can dress up not only a tree, but even an ordinary pole. Tassels, bows, artificial flowers are used - the main thing is to make it beautiful and festive! Round dances are performed around the May Day tree, they dance and sing, arrange fiery performances and fireworks. The main thing is that no one dug up the tree on the night before the holiday.

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 ritual bathing in cold water, burned fires, and 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 the 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 appeared official name- International Labor Day. Since 1997, on May 1, we have been celebrating Spring and Labor Day.

May 1 is the Day of Spring and Labor, this name was given to the holiday in 1993. However, it is also called the International Workers' Day. Recently, marches have been held in Russia, in which members of the Communist Party, as well as other trade union and social organizations, take part. This day is officially considered a day off, so it is customary to celebrate it with family and friends.

May 1 what holiday is the official name: the history of the holiday

The celebration of this day is connected with the events that happened in Chicago in the 19th century. In America, on May 1, 1886, the workers went on strike and demanded an eight-hour day. In the end, it all ended in a clash between protesters and the police. In 1889, the Congress of Paris declared 1 May Workers' Solidarity Day, which was officially made a day off. However, the Brussels Congress in 1891 gave each country the opportunity to independently approve the date of the celebration of May 1. Ultimately, the UK decided to celebrate the holiday on the first Sunday in May.

May 1 what holiday is the official name: the history of the holiday in Russia

1st of May official holiday began to be considered only after the October Revolution, which was in 1917. The country's government has decided to hold demonstrations and parades on May 1. For the first time, such an event on Red Square began to be broadcast by television channels in 1956.

In 1970, the name was assigned to this holiday - the Day of International Solidarity of Workers, and on May 2, as a rule, picnics are arranged in nature with relatives and friends. However, after the collapse of the USSR, this holiday was renamed to - the Holiday of Spring and Labor.

May 1 what holiday is the official name: holiday traditions

All over the world, trade unions demonstrate on this day and demand better working conditions. Employees who have distinguished themselves receive awards and certificates from the state. On this day, not only congratulate the workers, but also mark the beginning of the last month of spring. Therefore, it is customary to organize fairs, as well as concerts in which celebrities participate. For many people, this holiday is no longer considered political, but only serves as an occasion to meet friends and relax.

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 rich history which will be of interest to everyone.

The origins of the holiday

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 hold protests on 1 May every 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 origin of the holiday in Russia

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 is this year Russian holiday began to be official, and demonstrations and parades began to be held openly.

The Bolsheviks came to power milestone celebrations on May 1, and the history of the holiday has acquired 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. On the other hand, the second day could be spent on a fun Mayday 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 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.

May 1 in modern Russia

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.

May 1 in various countries

This day is celebrated not only in the USA and Russia. Number of countries that joined the celebration significant date, equals 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:

• Spain;
• Germany;
• Sweden;
• Greece;
• France;
• Italy;
• Holland.

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. Either way, it's light spring holiday which brings a lot of positive emotions.