Whew! We almost didn’t get our May Day tree up in time. And it took some time, but we managed to get the May Day lights out of the storage space above the garage without injury.
So, here we are. Sipping our May Day cocoa.
It seems like only yesterday when we’d sit around and listen to the adults talk about how a delightful family of socialist groups and trade unions started it all. Back in 1889 they designated May 1 as a special day to recognize workers. After all, workers are what make our great country…uh…work.
And the adults would laugh and go on and on about it was a special day to remember something they called a hay market riot. Or something like that. It happened in Chicago is all I know. So, it must’ve included deep dish pizza.
Anyway…
Evidently President Grover Cleveland wasn’t comfortable with the special holiday’s connection to socialism. So, he signed legislation to be observed on the first Monday in September. And it’s been that way ever since. Just to honor workers.
Yes, these memories transport me back to a much simpler time.
Back when workers could unite against capitalism. And celebrate communist military might. In fact, I remember another wonderful occasion old Uncle Dieter would repeat to anyone who’d listen. How Labor Day became an official German holiday, in 1933, when the Nazis took over.
(side note: Germany also abolished free unions the day after setting up the holiday. So much for the labor movement. But who’s counting?)
Of course, I can’t forget how the adults recalled the May Day connection to pagan festivals. And how important and inclusive it all is.
And that’s probably why May Day is still such a public holiday in many parts of the world. Yep, people still organize picnics and parties, for this day, to show support of workers.
Hey! You’re a worker, aren’t you? Well, sit still and let me go get you some cocoa. When I get back, you can tell me any May Day memories you can remember.
Sound good?
Open my ears that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Stay tuned,
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