According to statistics, only 20% of Russians know at least something about the history of the origin of the May 1st holiday. We all love to relax on May Day, and we don’t want to know how this holiday came about, but we need to. We propose to take a short excursion into how this holiday was celebrated by citizens of the Soviet Union.
Source: http://ussrvopros.ru/kultura-i-sport/sovetskie-pra...aya-lyudi-prozhivavshie-v-sssr

The holiday dates back to the end of the 19th century. At that time, strikes of workers took place all over the world, protesting the introduction of an eight-hour working day at enterprises. And just on May 1, 1890, such a strike took place in Warsaw. And already in 1900, a demonstration of workers was organized.

After the February Revolution won, this holiday began to be celebrated freely. Millions of workers took part in demonstrations across the country under the slogans of the Bolshevik Party. Only the nature and meaning of this holiday has changed somewhat. Now the May Day demonstrations expressed the solidarity of the Soviet people with the struggle waged by workers in capitalist countries. Particular emphasis was placed on the struggle for the global construction of a communist society.

After the Second World War, the May 1st holiday began to be held under slogans mobilizing the country's workers to fight, the goal of which was to build socialism, and then communism. For quite a long period of time, the holiday of May 1 in the USSR has been one of the most important public holidays.

In 1990, Soviet rulers climbed behind the mausoleum for the last time with socialist slogans. Already in 1992, a decree was issued to rename this holiday to the Spring and Labor Festival. Although it was also used to express the will of workers to protect their rights.

Of course, many old-timers miss those days. Modern demonstrations are very difficult to compare with what they were like on May Day in Soviet time.

Then they prepared for the holiday in two, or even three, weeks. They drew posters with slogans, inflated balloons, and printed photographs of famous political figures. The majority of people took part in the May Day demonstration with great pleasure, and only the leaders of production trusted to carry portraits of the leaders of the Soviet Union, for whom it was considered an honor.

For many, May 1 is one of the most beloved holidays. Despite the fact that it falls in the last month of spring, it is considered a symbol of the beginning of warmth and sunlight. And for Russians, it also means the beginning of the May holidays - a series of days free from the hustle and bustle of work and dedicated exclusively to relaxing with family and friends.

Despite such love for this date, few people know how the story of May 1 began. While the older generation still remembers the scale of the celebration during the Soviet Union, for the younger generation this day often means only an extra day off. But at the same time, May Day has a rich history that will be interesting for everyone to get acquainted with.

Origins of the holiday

This date originates in the American city of Chicago, where on May 1, 1886 a large-scale workers’ protest 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 failed to achieve its goal, but also led to numerous casualties among the protesters.

The American authorities, who did not intend to reduce the 15-hour working day, ordered the police to take tough 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 May 1st 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 protests did not go unnoticed. The Congress of the Second International, which was held in Paris in 1889, decided to call May 1 World Day workers' solidarity. This was done in honor of the workers of Chicago, who were the first to decide to resist the existing system.

In addition, at the Congress it was decided that people of all states have the right to go to rallies annually on May 1 and put forward their demands of a social nature. Thus, Labor Day was officially recognized at the state level.

The emergence 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. This 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 political overtones.

But, despite the fact that Labor Day was officially recognized by the authorities, mass celebrations remained informal for a long time. It was only in 1901 that the first slogans openly demanding a change of power were seen. By 1912, the number of representatives of the proletariat participating in the May demonstrations reached 400 thousand. And already in 1917, entire millions of people walked the streets, demanding the overthrow of the tsarist government. It was this year that the Russian holiday began to take on an official character, 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 was given the title of “the largest holiday in the Soviet Union,” which had to be celebrated by all residents of the country.

In every locality, entire working groups 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 took place on Red Square in the capital.

Despite the fact that May Day initially 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 system were replaced by banners with solemn congratulations written on them.

People began to celebrate this date with family or friends, enjoying the two-day weekend. Traditionally, the first day was dedicated to parades, at which political speeches were replaced by congratulations, and large-scale processions were held, covered by television. But the second day could be spent at a fun May Day with loved ones and relax before working days.

This is how May 1, or the Spring and Labor Festival, gradually turned from an annual political rally into a favorite national celebration. Red flags and air balloons- integral attributes of this date. Older generation recalls with pleasure the unique atmosphere that 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 weekends with loved ones - this is what May Day symbolized for the working class of the Soviet Union.

May 1 in modern Russia

After it broke up Soviet Union, this date continues to be celebrated anyway. But the previous excitement around the holiday is no longer there, and the main joy from it is the additional days off. The last 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 is not forgotten. The famous slogan “Peace! Work! May!" still continues to sound in congratulations. The warm holiday, which united the entire working class, will remain among the most beloved.

May 1st 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 traditions for celebrating May Day. For example, on this day young Spaniards present their spouses with the first spring flowers, which bloom by this time.

And in Germany there are large-scale celebrations, entire fairs and funny dances. 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 throughout the year is burned. After this, it’s time to dance and have fun. And the next morning various rallies begin in support of the working class.

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. These are the flowers that represent happiness that the French give when congratulating each other.

On this day, Italians 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 for the tulip festival. Many people from all over the world come here specifically to see this colorful spectacle.

Thus, May 1 is a wonderful holiday that unites different peoples. It doesn’t matter what version of the celebration is held in the country. Either way it's light spring holiday, which brings a lot of positive emotions.

The holiday, which is celebrated in Russia, the USA 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 times, most Russians named this holiday by the date it was held - May 1 or May Day.

The history of the tradition of celebrating May Day is connected with events that took place in the USA 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 protest ended in clashes with the police. On May 3, at Cyrus McCormick's reaper plant, police opened fire on strikers, killing at least two workers. On May 4, at a protest rally in Haymarket, a terrorist threw a bomb at police, who responded by firing into the crowd. Sixty police officers were injured, eight were killed, and the exact number of workers killed was not determined. The police arrested hundreds of townspeople, and seven anarchist workers were sentenced to death.

In July 1889, the Paris Congress of the Second International, at the proposal of the French delegate Raymond Lavigne, as a sign of solidarity with 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. In the UK it took place on May 4th. 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 of May 1, after which in Great Britain and some other countries the demonstrations were moved to the first Sunday in May.

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

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

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

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

The first air parade took place over Red Square. From this point on, air parades were held regularly until the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, as an integral part of the demonstration of Soviet military power. At these parades, the achievements of the Soviet aviation industry were shown - such as the Maxim Gorky aircraft, the fastest fighter of its time, the I-16, 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 holiday events on Red Square was broadcast annually by central television channels.

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

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.

Russians look forward to the May holidays with special impatience - there are so many days off at the beginning of the month, when the dacha season opens! But if every baby today knows what May 9 means for Russia, then few people can clearly tell us what exactly we celebrate on May 1. Together with the news agency "Amitel" we are figuring out what kind of holiday May Day is.

If we delve deeply into history, then even in ancient times our ancestors organized large-scale celebrations, which took place at the end of April and beginning of May. In this way they tried to appease the gods before starting work in the fields. The Slavs celebrated the departure of the spring colds, organized ritual bathing in cold water, burned bonfires, 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 organized big celebration.

Everyone probably remembers from history that two centuries ago the working day of a poor man lasted from 12 to 15 hours. On April 21, 1856, protest marches were held in Australia by workers who demanded that the working day be reduced to 8 hours without reducing wages. They managed to achieve their goal. And even without bloodshed

In 1886, workers in the USA and Canada also decided to organize rallies and demonstrations to achieve an 8-hour working day, a fixed salary and social guarantees. On this day, every city rebelled. However, the center of the protests was Chicago, where about 40,000 workers took to the streets. Here it was not possible to resolve the matter peacefully. Thousands of workers were fired, and demonstrations were dispersed with weapons. A lot of people died. In memory of the victims, the Paris Congress of the Second International declared May 1, 1890, the Day of Solidarity of 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 Russian Empire May Day was first celebrated 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. The first May Day in Moscow took place in 1895. Since 1897, May Days began to be political in nature and accompanied by mass demonstrations. In 1917, May 1 was celebrated openly for the first time. In all cities of the country, millions of workers took to the streets with the slogans of the Communist Party “All power to the Soviets” and “Down with the capitalist ministers.”

In 1918, post-revolutionary Russia adopted a law stating that May 1 would be celebrated at the national level.

In the USSR, May Day demonstrations were of great importance. It was a truly large-scale celebration. Organizations have been preparing for it for weeks. In the first years of Soviet power, military equipment entered the parade in honor of May 1, and real performances were staged with acrobatic and gymnastic acts. It was a real holiday that everyone was waiting for.

It 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 Battle Festival of the International Proletariat. After this, the official name appeared - International Labor Day. Since 1997, on May 1st we have been celebrating Spring and Labor Day.

Traditionally, the beginning of May is perceived as a reason for relaxation. After all, for Russians this is the beginning of the May holidays, including Spring and Labor Day. But not everyone can tell what history May Day has, and how the name and traditions of the holiday changed.

When did the tradition of celebrating May 1st appear?

If we go deeper into history, then back in ancient times our ancestors organized large-scale celebrations that took place at the end of April and beginning of May. In this way they tried to appease the gods before starting work in the fields. Thus, the inhabitants of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, in the last month of spring, organized 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 took baths in cold water and burned ritual bonfires on the banks of rivers.

How is May Day connected with workers?

Two centuries ago, the working day of the poor lasted from 12 to 15 hours, which naturally made the people very tired. On April 21, 1856, protest marches were held in Australia by workers who demanded that the working day be reduced to 8 hours without reducing wages. They managed to achieve their goal.

The successful strikes of Australians inspired Americans to fight for their rights. On May 1, 1886, mass protests took place in many US cities. Their center of protests was Chicago, where about 40,000 workers took to the streets to demand 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. Mass layoffs prompted the working class to a new wave of discontent. During new demonstrations, many protesters were shot.

In memory of the victims, the Paris Congress of the Second International declared May 1, 1890, the Day of Solidarity of 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 1 celebrated in Russia?

In the Russian Empire, May Day was first celebrated in 1890 in Warsaw. IN next year St. Petersburg rejoiced at the Day of Workers of the whole world, albeit underground. May 1 was first openly celebrated in Russia in 1917. In all 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, post-revolutionary Russia adopted a law stating that May 1 would be celebrated at the national level. Initially, this holiday was called International Day. Since 1930, May 1st has been known as the International Proletarian Solidarity Day. During the Great Patriotic War it was renamed the Battle Festival of the International Proletariat. Only after this did the official name appear - International Labor Day. Since 1997, on May 1, Russians have celebrated Spring and Labor Day.

How is May 1 celebrated in modern Russia?

The tradition of holding demonstrations on this day has been preserved. Rallies are held by political parties and trade unions. Many people are happy to go out to their summer cottages or gardens on the first day of May and spend the workers' holiday working on the land. People also often go out on May 1st for a picnic with family or friends.

Where else in the world is May 1 celebrated?

The first day of May is officially celebrated as National holiday more than 60 countries of 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 USA it is celebrated on the first Monday of September.