Can you smell the barbecue, the campfire, and the fresh nature air? In Russia, there’s a wonderful tradition: when everyone heads to their summer cottages and prepares for picnics, it means the May holidays have arrived!
We all know the great victory we commemorate on May 9th. But how did Labor Day come to be?
For many people today, May 1st is just an extra day off and a chance to enjoy a barbecue by the river. But why do we get this day off?
How Did Labor Day Begin?
Many believe that the history of May Day started in the Soviet Union. But in fact, the first Labor Day was born in the United States.
The origins of celebrating May 1st go all the way back to Ancient Rome. On this day, people honored Maia, the goddess of fertility — and possibly the namesake of the month of May.
Labor Day was first celebrated in Australia, where workers demanded an eight-hour workday. However, their holiday is held on April 21st, not May 1st.
Following Australia's example, demonstrations and strikes began on May 1, 1886, in the United States and Canada — some of which turned violent.
Starting in 1890, May 1st was officially recognized as a day of workers’ solidarity worldwide, in memory of those who had suffered.
Today, however, Labor Day in the United States is celebrated on the first Monday of September — and also marks the symbolic end of summer.
Labor Day in Russia
In Russia, the holiday wasn't just a Soviet invention. May 1st was celebrated even in the Russian Empire, starting in 1890. The tradition of celebrating outdoors also began around that time.
This way of celebrating was especially convenient for workers who planned strikes in secret from the authorities.
In the Soviet Union, May 1st fit perfectly with the slogan: "Peace! Labor! May!"
Usually, May 1st was marked by large demonstrations, followed by trips to nature for celebrations on May 2nd.
Although May 1st was once officially recognized as Labor Day in many countries, today it's often just a great excuse to have fun and spend time outdoors.
How May 1st is Celebrated Around the World
| Greece | In Greece, children are the main stars of the day. They look for the first spring swallow and announce its arrival with a cheerful song. |
| Germany | May 1st in Germany is filled with magic. People gather at the foot of the Brocken Mountain for Walpurgis Night festivities. |
| Italy | In Italy, May 1st is all about love and happiness for couples. It's considered the luckiest day of the year, and many proposals happen with a gift of a green branch. |
| England | In England, Labor Day is called May Day. People dance around the maypole dressed in traditional costumes. If there's no tree available, even a decorated stick will do! |
| France | In France, spring festivities last throughout the month of May. One colorful tradition involves parading cows decorated with flowers — petting one is said to bring good luck. |
| Netherlands | In Dutch provinces, May 1st is marked with tulip festivals. In cities, celebrations continue for Queen’s Day, which is held on April 30th and is one of the country’s major holidays. |
Wherever you are, May 1st is a special day. Thousands of traditions, rituals, and beliefs are associated with how to celebrate it.
It’s also a holiday welcoming spring and the coming summer — which is why children especially love it!
And what about you? How do you celebrate May 1st? What May Day traditions do you have?
