International Labour Day is celebrated every year on 1 May to commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of the workers’ and labours’ movement. It is also known as May Day.
The origins of Labour Day can be traced back to the late 19th century when workers across the globe began demanding better working conditions, fair wages, and shorter working hours.
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International Labour Day is celebrated in more than 80 countries, including India, Cuba, and China. People in different parts of the world hold marches on this day to promote the rights of working-class people and to protect them from exploitation.
The First Labour Day
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.
History:
The tradition of Labour Day dates back to 19th century America. On May 1st, 1886 workers in Chicago organized a strike to demand an eight-hour workday. However, workers across the US came together to demand their rights and to fight for better working conditions after a bomb exploded at a labour rally in Haymarket Square.
In 1889, the International congress of socialist parties met in Paris and decided to celebrate Labour Day or Worker’s Day on May 1.
India connection:
The first labour day was celebrated in India on May 1, 1923, in Chennai. The first May Day celebrations were organized by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. The leader of the party, Comrade Singaravelar arranged two meetings to celebrate this occasion.
Labour Day is celebrated by many different names in the various Indian states with most popular name being May Day. Labour Day is known as Kamgar Din in Hindi, Karmikara Dinacharane in Kannada, Karmika Dinotsavam in Telugu, Kamgar Divas in Marathi, Uzhaipalar Dhinam in Tamil, Thozhilaali Dinam in Malayalam, and Shromik Dibosh in Bengali.
Significance:
Labour Day is celebrated around the world to raise awareness of the rights of working people and to protect them from exploitation. It also serves as a reminder of the important role played by the working class in our society.
What Is Labour Day ?
Most countries commemorate May 1st as May Day. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the bank holiday is marked on the first Monday in May rather than on May 1st. The holiday was officially sanctioned by the Soviet Union in the twentieth century, and it is also known as the International Solidarity of Workers Day in some Communist countries.
During the Cold War era, celebrations in communist countries often included enormous military parades displaying the latest weaponry and displays of ordinary people supporting the government. Curiously (given the origin of the May 1st date), the United States commemorates Labour Day on the first Monday in September.
Some believe this was done to avoid commemorating the 1886 riots. Another reason for official opposition to May Day labour festivities in America is that communists and socialists use it as their primary holiday. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands all commemorate Labour Day on different days, but this is due to how the holiday began in those nations.
Labour Day Quotes & Wishes
1. “All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
2. “The power of the working class is the hope of the nation”. – Van Jones
3. “The greatest asset of a company is its people.” – Jorge Paulo Lemann
4. “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm
5. “It is labour indeed that puts the difference on everything.” – John Locke
6. “Work is not just about making a living; it is about making a life.” – Denis Waitley
7. To all the workers making a difference: Happy Labour Day!
8. Even if you’re on the proper track, if you just sit there, you’ll be run over.
9. A big shout-out to all workers on this Labour Day! Your efforts do not go unnoticed.
10. Hard work pays off. Wishing you a Happy Labour Day filled with success and fulfilment!
11. The fruits of your labour are always sweet. Enjoy them, and have a Happy Labour Day!
12. The path to success is paved with hard work, so keep going. Today and every day, we celebrate your dedication on Labour Day!
13. As we celebrate Labour Day, remember the importance of fair labour practices and workers’ rights. Happy Labour Day!
14. Let’s take a moment to appreciate workers’ contributions and strive towards a more equitable and just society.
15. The legacy of hard work lives on. Happy Labour Day to all the workers around the world!
Labour Day In Hindi
अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मजदूर दिवस हर साल 1 मई को मनाया जाता है। पहली बार मजदूर दिवस 1889 में मनाने का फैसला लिया गया। इस दिन को मनाने की रूपरेखा अमेरिका के शिकागो शहर से बनने लगी थी, जब मजदूर एक होकर सड़क पर उतर आए थे।
1886 से पहले अमेरिका में आंदोलन की शुरुआत हुई थी। इस आंदोलन में अमेरिका के मजदूर सड़कों पर आ गए। अपने हक के लिए मजदूर हड़ताल पर बैठ गए। इस आंदोलन का कारण मजदूरों की कार्य अवधि थी। उस दौरान मजदूर एक दिन में 15-15 घंटे काम करते थे। आंदोलन के दौरान मजदूरों पर पुलिस ने गोली चला दी। इस दौरान कई मजदूरों की जान चली गई। सैकड़ों श्रमिक घायल हो गए।
इस घटना के तीन साल बाद 1889 में अंतर्राष्ट्रीय समाजवादी सम्मेलन की बैठक हुई। इस बैठक में तय किया गया कि हर मजदूर से प्रतिदिन 8 घंटे ही काम लिया जाएगा। वहीं सम्मेलन के बाद 1 मई को मजदूर दिवस मनाने का फैसला लिया गया। इस दिन हर साल मजदूरों को छुट्टी देने का भी फैसला लिया गया। बाद में अमेरिका के मजदूरों की तरह अन्य कई देशों में भी 8 घंटे काम करने के नियम को लागू कर दिया गया।
अमेरिका में मजदूर दिवस मनाने का प्रस्ताव 1 मई 1889 को लागू हुआ लेकिन भारत में इस दिन को मनाने की शुरुआत लगभग 34 साल बाद हुई। भारत में भी मजदूर अत्याचार और शोषण के खिलाफ आवाज उठा रहे थे। मजदूरों का नेतृत्व वामपंथी कर रहे थे। उनके आंदोलन को देखते हुए 1 मई 1923 में पहली बार चेन्नई में मजदूर दिवस मनाया गया। लेबर किसान पार्टी ऑफ हिंदुस्तान की अध्यक्षता में मजदूर दिवस मनाने की घोषणा की गई। कई संगठन और सोशल पार्टी ने इस फैसले का समर्थन किया।
Is Bank, Offices and Schools Closed on 1 May?
Yes, Labour Day has been considered a public holiday in India. The first Labour Day was celebrated in India on May 1, 1923, in Chennai. It was organized by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan in the year 1923 in Madras.
In many countries, including India, banks are closed on May 1, for Labour Day or International Workers’ Day. Banks in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Manipur, Kerala, Bengal, Goa, and Bihar will remain closed tomorrow.
The day is observed to honour the contributions of workers and the labour movement. Also, it recognises the rights of the workers and their achievements and highlights the struggle for fair wages, better working conditions and social justice.
FAQs on May Day ( Labour Day )
What is May Day and why is it celebrated?
May Day, also known as Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day, honours the accomplishments and victories of labourers and the labour movement. On May 1, it is observed in various nations such as India, China, and Cuba.
How was May Day celebrated historically?
?May Day has a rich history of cultural and folkloric celebrations, including the tradition of creating baskets filled with sweets and flowers, dancing and singing around a maypole and gifting spring flowers to loved ones. The holiday has roots in Roman and Gaelic traditions and was a popular seasonal celebration in medieval England. These customs have endured over time, promoting unity and togetherness among people worldwide.
Why is May Day centered around fertility?
Due to the weather’s change and the mood of celebration, spring is thought to be a season when both men and women are more fertile.
What is the relationship between Labour Day and International Workers’ Day?
In memory of those who perished in the Chicago Haymarket Affair, International Workers’ Day was established. In order to separate itself from what occurred on 1 May 1886, Labour Day was instituted. Today, Labour Day is observed annually.
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