The World Postmay 1May DayEastern Bloc

May Day: Facts About The May 1 Holiday

The Most Surprising Facts About May Day
|

Although it's not recognized in the U.S. or Canada, May Day is one of the biggest bank holidays elsewhere in the world.

While it conjures up images of maypoles and folk dances, the holiday has gone through a radical transformation over the centuries. Originally a pagan celebration called Beltane (which translates roughly to "day of fire"), May Day is observed as "Labor Day" or "International Workers' Day" in many countries, and organized street demonstrations and marches by working people and their labor unions are common.

In the case of Hungary, Poland and other East European nations, May Day is considered a remnant of the Communist era, when party leaders greeted crowds of workers.

View facts about May Day below:

Facts About May Day
(01 of07)
Open Image Modal
The pagan name for May Day is Beltane, which means "day of fire," and was meant to mark the coming of summer and fertility. It was an important festival in the Celtic calendar, while a similar celebration called "Floralia" was marked on the Roman calendar. Over time, the rituals of Beltane and Floralia were overlapped and are still practiced today. (credit:Getty )
(02 of07)
Open Image Modal
In many countries, May 1 is considered Labor Day after a 19th century U.S. movement to establish an eight-hour work day (as opposed to 10 hours or more). Today, many parades, speeches, and protests occur on May 1 in various nations -- but oddly not in the U.S. where the rallying originally began. (credit:Getty )
(03 of07)
Open Image Modal
In medieval England, May Day was considered the time of "bringing in the May," or gathering greenery and flowers. It remains a major big holiday throughout the U.K. (credit:Getty )
(04 of07)
Open Image Modal
Maypoles are a longstanding tradition when it comes to May Day, and many believe maypole dancing to be a fertility ritual. It's thought that the first maypoles were erected after the fall of the Romans in the British Isles and that the maypole is a Germanic tradition. Regardless, most can agree that maypole is a phallic symbol. (credit:AP )
(05 of07)
Open Image Modal
On April 30, much of central Europe and Scandinavia will celebrate "Walpurgis Night," named in honor of St. Walburga (or Walpurga), an English-born nun who is believed to have cured the illnesses of many local residents. Many of the holiday's customs date back to pagan celebrations of fertility rights and the coming of spring -- burning an effigy witch atop a bonfire means saying goodbye to winter. (credit:AP)
(06 of07)
Open Image Modal
On May 1, 1977, Turkey's Revolutionary Confederation of Labor Unions organized a May Day demonstration in Taksim Square in Istanbul. The incident soon turned violent, and had tremendous repercussions around the world. Thirty-six people died, hundreds were wounded and 453 were arrested. In 2010, the May first celebrations (pictured) since the deadly rally took place on the square. (credit:AP )
(07 of07)
Open Image Modal
Eastern bloc countries such as Hungary, the Czech Republic and the Soviet Union that were under the rule of Communist governments held official May Day celebrations in every town and city, during which party leaders greeted the crowds. Though the holiday is still recognized, it is often considered a Communist era remnant. (credit:AP)

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip