What is May Day?

Nowadays, we associate the word “”May Day”” with May Day (May 1) celebrations, but the word was originally used to describe outdoor events and gatherings held in May/Spring. This is well illustrated by Pál Szinyei Merse’s painting May Day from 1873. Labour Day (traditionally) May 1 was first made an official holiday in the United States in 1894 – although it is celebrated on the first Monday in September there. Today, May Day is celebrated in 160 countries, commemorating the Haymarket affair that began with a strike by Chicago workers on May 1, 1886. (Pál Szinyei Merse: May Day)

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