Labour Day 2024: Why Do We Celebrate May 1 As May Day?

Labour Day 2024: On May 1st, all over the world, we celebrate International Labour Day. This day is all about teaching workers and labourers about their rights. It's super important because work is at the heart of everything we do. Lots of folks might not know much about why this day is special or where it came from. So, let's dive into all the info we can find about it! Let's go!

The day¡¯s origins can be traced back to the 19th-century labour union movement in the United States. In 1889, the Marxist International Socialist Congress passed a resolution calling for a large international demonstration demanding that workers not be forced to work more than 8 hours a day.

What is Labour Day or May Day, and why is it celebrated on May 1?

May 1st is known as May Day, celebrated as International Workers' Day or Labour Day in various countries worldwide. This day honors the contributions of workers and the labour movement.

Initially, May 1st was a traditional spring festival in the northern hemisphere. However, in the late 19th century, it became linked with the labour movement. Trade unions and socialist groups chose this day to advocate for the rights of the working class.

The decision stemmed from the Haymarket Affair in Chicago on May 4, 1886. This incident involved a violent clash between the police and labour demonstrators. A bomb explosion occurred at Haymarket Square during a peaceful rally, leading to the deaths of seven police officers and injuries to 60 others. It's estimated that between four to eight civilians also lost their lives, with 30 to 40 wounded, before the violence subsided.

Labour Day 2024: Why Do We Celebrate May 1 As May Day? | Freepik

International Labour Day: Significance

International Labour Day holds significant importance as people worldwide gather to advocate for workers' rights and strive to end their exploitation. Additionally, Labour Day is recognized as a national holiday in India and many other nations.

Labour Day in India

Labour Day in India has a historical significance dating back to 1923 when it was first celebrated in Chennai by the Hindustan Labour Kisan Party. Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar, a prominent communist leader, campaigned for May 1 to be recognized as a national holiday in order to acknowledge the contributions of workers. In India, this day is also known as Kamgar Divas, Kamgar Din, and Antrarashtriya Shramik Divas.

Inspiring Quotes to dedicate all the hard workers on Labour Day

• "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." ¡ª Tim Notke
• "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." ¡ª Michael Jordan
• "You always pass failure on your way to success." ¡ª Mickey Rooney
• ¡°There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.¡± ¡ª Henry Ford
• ¡°There is more to life than making a living. Do not work more than you live.¡± ¡ª Mokokoma Mokhonoana
• ¡°Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.¡± ¡ª Kevin Durant
• ¡°Magic lies in challenging what seems impossible.¡± ¡ª Carol Moseley Braun
• ¡°The only thing that¡¯s keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself.¡± ¡ª Tony Robbins
• ¡°Don¡¯t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.¡± ¡ª Abraham Lincoln
• ¡°Persistence overshadows even talent as the most valuable resource shaping the quality of life.¡± ¡ª Tony Robbins

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.