Events

May Day: What is May Day and Why It Is Celebrated

Published

7 years ago

April 30, 2018

Shibul Pavithran

Image from: forumias.com

It is symbolic of past labour struggles against a host of workers’ rights violations, including lengthy work days and weeks, poor conditions, and child labour. It constitutes of a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our society

Text Credits: Shibul Pavithran

May 1 was a traditional Spring holiday across the northern hemisphere, with numerous rites and ceremonies taking place from Great Britain to Bulgaria. The very first record of May Day celebration appeared with Floralia, the festival of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, celebrated on April 27 during the Roman Republic era, and with the Walpurgis Night Celebrations of the Germanic countries. It is also associated with the Gaelic Beltane, most commonly held on April 30. The day was a traditional summer holiday in many European pagan cultures. While February 1 was the first day of spring, May 1 was the first day of summer; hence, the summer solstice on June 25 (now June 21) was Midsummer.

May day, Pagan Culture Source: kareliakitchen

Through the course of history, however, the date’s meaning has changed and evolved, developing from pagan roots into an occasion that has come to be synonymous with workers’ rights, class action, and trade unionism.

Historic Labour Movement Source: newbt.org

International Workers’ Day originated in the struggle for improved workers’ rights in the late 19th century, particularly in the US. This was a period when industrial workers were made to work long days, up to 16 hours, in dangerous conditions. Working conditions were severe, death and injury were common at many workplaces. Socialist organisations sprung up around the world to campaign for improved rights and to challenge the dominance of the wealthy in the politics. During 1860’s, the working class people agitated to reduce the number of hours (workday) without a cut in their wages, but it wasn’t untill the late 1880’s that organised labour was able to gather enough strength to declare the eight-hour working day. This proclamation was done without the consent of employers, yet demanded by many of the working class.

In an attempt to end these inhumane conditions, the Federation of Organised Trades and Labor Unions (FOTLU, which would later become the American Federation of Labor, or AFL) held a convention in Chicago in 1884. The FOTLU proclaimed “eight hours shall constitute a legal day’s labour from and after May 1, 1886″.

The following year, the Knights of Labor – then America’s largest labour organisation – backed the proclamation as both groups encouraged workers to strike and demonstrate.

On May 1, 1886, more than 3,00,000 workers (40,000 in Chicago alone) from 13,000 business walked out of their jobs across the country. In the following days, more workers joined and the number of strikers grew to almost 1,00,000. Since then, it has been memorialised globally as International Workers’ Day or May Day, to commemorate the Chicago Affair and similar reforms for labourers around the world. It is associated with protests and demonstrations over social, political and economic issues.

May Day Protest Sources: Sbs.com
Labour Day means many things to us. For most, it means a day off from work. It is one of those holidays that you reap the benefits from but not many actually know the true significance of. International Workers Day or Labour Day is a global celebration of the working class people, the labourers, and the tradesmen whose efforts form the very foundation of our social and economic progress

If you observe carefully, we all are labourers in one way or the other. Let’s take a moment to appreciate all the worker’s of the world.

Related Topics:AFL chicago festival of Flora FOTLU labour struggles May Day pagan Trade Union worker's rights

Up Next

World Press Freedom Day Observed On May 3: Journalists Must Be Safe

Don't Miss

Team Naach Will Be In Kochi To Make You Dance To Their Choreography

Comments

Events

The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024

Published

3 months ago

September 25, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.

Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.

Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.

Kendal Jenner

Eva Longaria

Aishwarya Rai

Anitta

Viola Davis and Simone Ashley

Jane Fonda

Heidi Klum

Andie MacDowell

Cara Delevingne

Belinda Peregrin

Bethenny Frankel

Aja Naomi King

Beatrice Vio

Samadhi Zendejas

Alia Bhatt

Camila Cabello

Events

Love in Simplicity: Aditi and Siddharth’s Ethereal Wedding Day

Published

3 months ago

September 17, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

When celebrities tie the knot, their weddings are often surrounded by a whirlwind of excitement. Strict ‘no-photo’ policies, tight security, and exclusive press appearances keep much of the event under wraps, but fans always sense when something special is happening. So when we scrolled through Instagram today and stumbled upon the wedding photos of actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth, it was a delightful surprise that instantly brought a smile to our faces. Yes, the lovebirds have officially tied the knot, and their dreamy wedding pictures look like something straight out of a fairytale.

The most endearing aspect of Aditi and Siddharth’s wedding is the sheer simplicity that radiates an overwhelming sense of serenity and grace. The bride and groom looked ethereal as they exchanged vows in the presence of their closest loved ones. The pure joy on their faces is simply contagious, making their day of love all the more heartwarming.

Aditi looks breathtakingly beautiful as a bride in her beige Sabyasachi saree, adorned with traditional gold jewelry that perfectly complements the intricate border of her wedding attire. Her handsome groom, Siddharth, keeps it classic in a white kurta pajama. The love between them is undeniable, and seeing the way Siddharth gazes at Aditi will make you wish for someone who looks at you with the same adoration.

We couldn’t be happier for the newlyweds! Here’s to wishing Mrs. and Mr. Adu-Siddhu a lifetime filled with love, joy, and endless happiness.

Events

The VMA 2024 Red Carpet Looks

Published

3 months ago

September 14, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

The MTV Video Music Awards red carpet may not have the prestige of events like the Oscars or Cannes, but it has always delivered its own brand of unforgettable fashion drama. For decades, the VMAs have been a playground for bold and daring celebrity looks. Calling the event’s style “unconventional” is putting it mildly, as the red carpet has famously seen everything from sequin nipple pasties to dresses made entirely of meat.

This year was no exception, with stars stepping out in their most provocative ensembles. The 2024 VMAs red carpet featured standout moments like Chappell Roan in custom Y/Project, Anitta in custom Dolce & Gabbana, and Lisa in vintage Mugler. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite fashion moments from the night.

Sabrina Carpenter in archival Bob Mackie and De Beers

Chappell Roan in Y/Project