The International Workers’ Day celebration is important all over the world and has its roots in the 19th century. It was especially significant in communist and socialist countries, but it is still celebrated globally today.
“May Day, day commemorating the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement, observed in many countries on May 1. In the United States and Canada a similar observance, known as Labor Day, occurs on the first Monday of September.” - www.britannica.com
Labour Day
Poland – 1954/04/28
Denomination: 40/60/80 gr (Polish grosz)
May 1 was once celebrated in Europe with traditional rural festivals known as May Day. Over time, these old customs were replaced by a new meaning — the day became a symbol of the labor movement and workers’ rights. In the Soviet Union, leaders strongly supported this shift, hoping it would inspire workers around the world, especially in Europe and the United States, to unite against capitalism. The holiday grew into a powerful symbol of solidarity and social change.
One of the events that led to the May 1 celebrations was the protest held in Chicago and many other U.S. cities in 1886. Protesters demanded 'An eight-hour workday with no cut in pay,' and the date set for its implementation was May 1, 1886. While this might sound normal to us today, at the time it was a radical demand, and there was little intention to meet it.
International Workers’ Day
USSR – 1988/03/22
Denomination: 5 Soviet kopek
As often happens when the ruling class resists the demands of the people, the police were used to suppress the demonstrations. This led to violence and the deaths of several police officers in what became known as the Haymarket affair. Business owners used the opportunity to fund police efforts, which led to crackdowns on union leaders and immigrant communities, particularly Germans and Bohemians.
On the other side of the political spectrum were socialists and communists. The Sixth Conference of the Second International called on 'all Social Democratic Party organizations and trade unions of all countries to demonstrate energetically on the First of May for the legal establishment of the eight-hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace.'
International Workers’ Day
Palestinian Territory – 2016/05/01
Denomination: 920 Palestine mil
You may or may not agree with socialism or communism, but the fact remains that these movements played a significant role in achieving the eight-hour workday. Even some capitalist countries chose to implement parts of these demands in order to prevent the growing popularity of socialist and communist ideas among their citizens.
Today we’ve seen some interesting stamps related to International Workers’ Day. We also refreshed our knowledge about the historical events that led to this celebration. While you wait for the next article, feel free to take a look at some of the previous ones related to holidays.
Holidays on Stamps: Independence Day (USA)
Holidays on Stamps: Thanksgiving (USA)
Holidays and Philately: Christmas Traditions
Holidays and Philately: Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year: 2022 - Year of the Tiger
