For years, I’ve celebrated International Workers Day, May 1, here in China, an annual public holiday. But it was only recently that I learned the curious US connection — that in fact, the US labor movement prompted this holiday.
If you’re an American like me, accustomed to having Labor Day fall in September, this might come as a surprise to you too. Growing up, nobody educated me about the US history associated with the origin of International Workers Day.
Those of you who have studied the US labor movement probably recognize the 1886 Haymarket Affair, when a bomb exploded just as the police were breaking up a labor protest rally ignited by a nationwide push, which began May 1, for the eight-hour workday. Years later, at an international labor conference in Paris, an American delegate proposed setting aside May 1 as a day to remember this injustice.
Today, almost every industrialized nation observes Labor Day on May 1 — except the US. According to the Illinois Labor History Society:
For years, half of the American Labor movement observed May 1 as Labor Day, while the other half observed the first Monday in September. After the Russian Revolution the May 1 date was mistakenly associated with communism, and in a protest against Soviet policy, May 1 was first proclaimed Law Day in the 1960’s.
It wasn’t until I came to China that I discovered “May Day” and “International Workers Day”. It remains among the most important holidays of the year, and many here use the opportunity to travel, gather with friends and enjoy the spring weather by going outdoors.
What do you think about this? Are you surprised by the US connection to International Workers Day? Do you think Americans are missing out by celebrating Labor Day in September, instead of May, like here in China?
I wish I knew why the USA celebrates in the fall. It’s also interesting to see how many holidays are celebrated in other countries.
I live in the USA, but I go back and forth between the US and India where my husband lives. There seem to be many celebrated holidays in India, and so few in the USA. But then I feel they celebrate their diversity in India, more than the USA is seemingly willing to do.
I’ve been job hunting for a global remote job and I’ve noticed how abundant time off and holidays are for companies outside of the USA. That’s something else worth noting.
I digress! Looks like a pleasant walk. I love getting out into nature. ♥
Thanks for the comment, Crystal! It is indeed interesting to note the differences in holidays between countries.
For me, September means that deer and turkey season is about to start soon so it is time to check my gear, stock up on ammo, arrows, etc. I try to plan my work vacations so that the time period from crisp fall days to early winter I am camped deep in the woods somewhere. US holidays like Labor Day also are heavily intertwined with shopping and merchandising seasons. All of the big box retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, pharmacy/grocery chains etc., revolve around holiday merchandising. You will see July 4th and Labor Day summer merchandise in stores as early as March. And then once Labor Day is over, Christmas items appear immediately and last through December. May Day never really fit into those big merchandising cycles so it never became big.
Thanks for the comment, Blue Sky Country! You’re right about the merchandising seasons (Christmas items always seem to hit the stores waaaay too early). And camping in the deep woods sounds like an ideal way to vacation in the fall.
A bit late – but here’s an explanation:
https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-labor-day-celebrated-in-september#:~:text=There%20was%20no%20particular%20significance,September%20be%20considered%20Labor%20Day.
Due to history, both days were associated with Labor and unions. However, because May Day was associated with a riot and a bomb – the labor had a more positive connotation, and was chosen.