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International Workers' Day: A Glorious Festival for Workers
2025-05-01
In the 19th century, with the rapid development of capitalism, the working class endured heavy hardships. At that time, the working hours of workers were extremely long, often exceeding 12 hours a day. Such harsh working hours seriously damaged the physical and mental health of workers. In August 1817, Robert Owen, a British utopian socialist, put forward the concept of the eight - hour workday with great foresight, advocating "eight hours of work, eight hours of recreation, and eight hours of rest". In 1833, he actively supported compassionate factory owners in launching a movement to fight for the eight - hour workday. Since then, in order to obtain this legitimate right, workers in Europe and America held strikes bravely on many occasions. In 1866, the Geneva Congress of the First International loudly called for "eight hours of work, eight hours of rest" and demanded that countries confirm it through laws.
In 1877, the first nationwide strike in the history of the United States broke out. Workers took to the streets, holding large - scale demonstrations, strongly demanding shorter working hours and the implementation of the eight - hour workday. Under the pressure of the powerful labor movement, the United States Congress was forced to enact a law on the eight - hour workday. However, many capitalists ignored it, making the law a dead letter for a time. On May 1st, 1886, a scene that shocked the world took place in cities such as Chicago, the United States: 350,000 workers from more than 20,000 enterprises went on a general strike and carried out a massive demonstration. However, on May 3rd, the Chicago government dispatched the police to suppress it brutally. The police opened fire and killed two people, causing the situation to deteriorate further. On May 4th, the striking workers held a protest at Haymarket Square. During this period, an unknown person threw a bomb at the police, and then the police fired back. Eventually, 4 workers and 7 police officers died. This incident is known as the "Haymarket Riot". This bloody struggle was like a bombshell that shocked the entire United States. It was only through the tenacious struggle of the working class that the US government finally had to announce the implementation of the eight - hour workday.
In July 1889, the Second International, led by Friedrich Engels, held a congress in Paris. In order to commemorate the great "May Day" strike of American workers and promote the continuous progress of the struggle for the eight - hour workday by workers in various countries, the congress solemnly passed a resolution designating May 1st as International Workers' Day and decided to organize grand demonstrations of international workers on May 1st, 1890.
International Workers' Day is of great significance. It means that through their tenacious and heroic struggle, workers have successfully obtained their legitimate rights and interests. This is undoubtedly a historical progress in the process of human civilization and democracy, and it is also the core value of International Workers' Day. This festival is not only a commemoration of that magnificent struggle history but also a lofty tribute to every person who loves labor. It always reminds us that labor is the cornerstone of the progress and development of human society and the fundamental source of creating material and spiritual wealth. Respecting labor and workers is an important symbol of measuring the degree of social civilization and progress.
The Chinese people have a deep historical origin in celebrating Labor Day. As early as 1918, relevant celebration activities emerged, and the celebration on May 1st, 1920, was of milestone significance, marking the close combination of communist intellectuals and the labor movement. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, in December 1949, the Government Administration Council of the Central People's Government officially designated May 1st as the legal Labor Day, with a one - day national holiday. Since then, on this day every year, the whole country is immersed in a festive atmosphere. People dress up in splendid clothes and gather joyfully in parks, theaters, squares, and other places, actively participating in various celebration gatherings or a wide range of cultural and sports activities. At the same time, the country will also solemnly commend advanced exemplary figures from all walks of life who are dedicated to their jobs, innovative, brave in taking on responsibilities, and selfless in their dedication, so as to inspire the vast number of workers to learn from the examples and shine in their respective positions. On November 12th, 2024, the "Decision of the State Council on Amending the 'Measures for National Annual Festivals and Memorial Days'" was issued. Starting from January 1st, 2025, the Labor Day holiday will be adjusted to two days (May 1st and 2nd).
Internationally, different countries have their own unique ways of celebrating International Workers' Day. In the United States, although International Workers' Day originated there, the United States designates the first Monday in September as Labor Day, and the public gets a one - day holiday. At that time, people across the United States usually hold parades, rallies, and other celebration activities to express their respect for labor. In some states, after the parade, lively picnics are held. People eat, drink, sing, and dance merrily. At night, in some places, colorful fireworks are set off. In France, International Workers' Day is also known as the Feast of the Lily of the Valley. On this day, people will buy several bunches of lilies of the valley and give them to themselves, their loved ones, and friends. This custom originated on May 1st, 1890, when the people of Paris took to the streets for a parade. They pinned red triangles on their clothes to represent the three demands of work, rest, and entertainment. Later, the lily of the valley gradually replaced the red triangle. In Poland, May 1st is a national holiday. Since May 3rd is Poland's National Day, some units have a continuous holiday from May 1st to May 3rd. On May 1st, left - wing groups and political parties in Poland will hold mass parades to celebrate "May Day", and slogans such as "8 - hour workday" can often be seen in the parade. In the United Kingdom, the celebration in London, the capital, has a history of more than 100 years. On this day, trade union leaders, heads of political parties and social organizations, students, citizens, immigrant groups, and workers from all walks of life from all over the UK will start the parade from Clerkenwell Green in central London. The parade passes through many main streets in London and finally arrives at Trafalgar Square, a landmark in London. In Russia, the "May Day" holiday lasts for three days, and people hold various celebration activities and mass parades. Generally, the parade passes through the main streets and squares of the city first, and finally, a grand gathering and celebration are held in an ancient or spacious central square. In Germany, on May 1st, there is a tradition of erecting a "Maypole" in many places. These "Maypoles" are usually birch trunks erected by unmarried young men. Then unmarried young women can write down their love wishes and hang them on the pole or decorate the tree, praying to win the favor of their sweethearts.
International Workers' Day is a festival for workers and a glorious festival. It embodies the struggles and resistance of countless workers and inspires generation after generation to strive for a better life and a more equitable working environment. On this special day, let us pay the highest tribute to every hard - working worker!