May Day's origins lie in the late 19th-century labor movement's fight for an eight-hour workday. Specifically, it commemorates the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where workers protesting for shorter hours were met with police violence and a subsequent bombing, resulting in wrongful convictions and executions. The event galvanized international labor movements and, at the Second International's 1889 congress in Paris, May 1st was declared International Workers' Day in honor of the Haymarket martyrs and as a continuing call for the eight-hour workday. It became a day of demonstrations, strikes, and celebrations for workers' rights worldwide.
Delving into the annals of labor history, the article "The Brief Origins of May Day" meticulously elucidates the genesis of this international celebration of workers' rights. It commences by highlighting the significant role of the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (FOTLU), a precursor to the American Federation of Labor, in advocating for the establishment of an eight-hour workday in the United States. This pivotal demand, formally adopted at the FOTLU's 1884 convention in Chicago, stipulated that May 1st, 1886, would mark the commencement of this momentous shift in labor practices.
The narrative then proceeds to meticulously detail the events leading up to and encompassing the Haymarket Affair, a tragic clash between laborers and police in Chicago on May 4th, 1886. The demonstration, initially peaceful, devolved into chaos after an unidentified individual detonated a bomb, resulting in casualties on both sides. The subsequent trial, widely criticized for its irregularities and arguably biased proceedings, resulted in the conviction and execution of several prominent labor activists, figures now recognized as the Haymarket Martyrs.
The article subsequently expounds upon the global resonance of these events, particularly within the burgeoning international socialist movement. The Second International, a federation of socialist and labor parties from across the globe, declared May 1st as International Workers' Day in 1889, commemorating the Haymarket Martyrs and solidifying the date as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for workers' rights, including the pivotal eight-hour workday. This act of international solidarity transformed May Day into a powerful emblem of working-class unity and a recurrent occasion for demonstrations, strikes, and celebrations in numerous countries worldwide.
Furthermore, the piece underscores the enduring legacy of May Day, contrasting its significance in various parts of the world. While its observance has waned in some regions, particularly the United States, it continues to be a prominent day of commemoration and protest in many other nations, serving as a potent reminder of the historical struggles and ongoing pursuit of improved working conditions and social justice for laborers across the globe. The article concludes by emphasizing the intrinsic connection between May Day and the enduring fight for a more equitable society, perpetually reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who came before in the pursuit of a fairer world for all working people.
Summary of Comments ( 159 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43856798
HN commenters discuss the history of May Day and its connection to the Haymarket affair. Some point out the common misconception that May Day commemorates the Haymarket bombing itself, rather than the broader movement for the eight-hour workday for which the executed anarchists were rallying. Others highlight the historical revisionism and propaganda surrounding the event, particularly the portrayal of the accused as violent agitators. A few users delve deeper into the specific legal aspects of the trial, emphasizing its unfairness and the lack of evidence linking the defendants to the bombing. The thread also briefly touches upon the international adoption of May Day as a workers' holiday and its subsequent evolution in different countries.
The Hacker News post titled "The Brief Origins of May Day," linking to an article about the history of May Day, has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the holiday's origins and significance.
Several commenters focus on correcting or expanding upon the historical narrative presented in the linked article. One commenter points out that the connection between May Day and the Haymarket affair is complex and not a direct cause-and-effect relationship, explaining that May Day was already an established workers' holiday before the Haymarket Riot, chosen for its existing association with spring festivals and worker celebrations. Another commenter emphasizes that May Day's origins are much older than the Haymarket affair, rooted in ancient pagan spring festivals. This commenter also mentions the suppression of these celebrations in the US, suggesting a cultural clash between older traditions and newer, industrializing society. A related comment highlights the historical association of May Day with radical politics and the fight for an eight-hour workday, linking this to the perceived suppression of these themes in American culture.
Another commenter points out that the eight-hour workday wasn't the only demand; there were broader social changes desired, too. This commenter offers a more nuanced perspective, explaining that while the eight-hour workday was a key focus, it was part of a larger push for improving workers' rights and living conditions.
Some comments delve into international perspectives on May Day. One commenter notes that May Day celebrations in Germany are connected to the medieval Walpurgis Night, which is celebrated on April 30th. This links May Day with folklore and pre-Christian traditions, reinforcing the idea of a complex history layered with multiple meanings over time.
A few commenters mention their personal experiences with May Day celebrations in different cultures, highlighting the contrast between its prominence as a workers' holiday in some countries and its relative obscurity in the US. One commenter shares a memory of May Day celebrations in the Soviet Union, describing a joyful and inclusive atmosphere where children and families participated in parades and festivities. Another commenter from a European country laments the declining significance of May Day in modern times, suggesting a loss of connection to historical labor struggles.
Finally, a couple of commenters share interesting tangential information related to the discussion. One provides a link to an article discussing the history of the two-day weekend, connecting it to labor movements and social changes in the early 20th century. Another commenter shares a personal anecdote about the practice of "May crowning," a traditional May Day custom in some parts of the world, demonstrating the enduring presence of folk customs associated with the holiday.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post offer a richer and more multifaceted understanding of May Day than the linked article alone, delving into historical nuances, international perspectives, and personal experiences that illuminate the holiday's complex and contested history.