Labour Day in the world and in my country

Hello everyone!

Labor Day is celebrated in most countries on May 1^st. However, it is also known as International worker day and May Day. Today I will share with you the story behind this day in the world and in my country.

In the late 19^th Century, the American Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions demanded an eight-hour workday. In 1886, on May 1^st, a general strike for that demand began. That day has been chosen to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in Chicago where on May 4^th an undefined person threw a bomb. The event led to the deaths of seven police officers and at least four civilians.

However, Americans are celebrating Labor Day on the first Monday of September.

In many countries, May 1st has begun a day for workers thanks to trade union agitation supported by socialist parties.

May 1st was also a pagan holiday in many parts of Europe, Its roots as a holiday stretch back to the Gaelic Beltane. It was considered the last day of winter when the beginning of summer was celebrated.

Among the 80 countries that have chosen, May 1^st, France is part of it! On May 1^st 1561, King Charles IX received Lily of the valley flowers as a present. He liked it and decided to present these flowers to the ladies of his court each year on May 1^st. Around 1900, men started to offer a bouquet of Lily of the valley flowers to women to express their affection. 

On April 23, 1919, the 8-hour working day was officially introduced in France! And yet it is on April 29, 1948, that May 1^st became known as Labor Day. Since then it has been an opportunity to campaign and celebrate worker’s rights.

Until now, Lily of the Valley Flowers remains the main symbol of May 1^st in France. Bouquets are sold everywhere without paying tax or complying with retail regulations.

With my friends we usually celebrate that day by spending good time together in Parks or at the beach!

I wish you a Happy Labor day!

See you!