Labor Day (Labor Day)
Description:
Despite the organization of mass demonstrations (which left much to be desired), despite the strictest prohibitions of the Italian authorities, everything took place and went surprisingly well. Rejoicing at the outcome of the work, the workers decided to make the processions of May 1 regular, and already from 1891, May 1 was proclaimed the holiday of the workers of all countries.
At the end of the 19th century, May 1 was no longer an 8-hour working day, but a general improvement in the material well-being of the working class living in absolute poverty. In Mussolini’s time, May 1 was cancelled, or rather postponed to April 21 (Natale di Roma), a day that said nothing to the workers, because it was no longer that historic day of rebellion. After the holiday was returned, but probably from that time it no longer had its former significance, although it is still an official holiday.
Historically, May 1 is not just a holiday. It's a fight party. And we cannot say that of the two components prevailed: at times rebelliousness, protest, struggle prevailed, at times a holiday (when the working class had something to celebrate).
What is happening in Italy on May 1?
The holiday became dual, the festiveness and struggle clearly manifested. One half of workers celebrate in the style of first communion, the other - in the style of the first workers' parades, when various trade unions of the country hold rallies (political side of the holiday).
If Italians do not participate in parades, they sing serenades under the windows of their chosen ones. In addition, on the eve of May 1, a young man must put a green branch at the entrance to his beloved’s house. This is a symbolic form of marriage. If the girl agrees - she takes the branch, if not - throws it on the road.
The roots of May Day “flower” traditions go back to the times of Ancient Rome. Its inhabitants, who revered the goddess of flowers and spring Flora, arranged lush festivals in her honor in the first days of May. The statue of the goddess was decorated with garlands of flowers, the streets of Rome moved merry processions with songs, dances and games. With the conquest of new lands, this holiday took root in many European provinces of the Roman Empire, although over time it changed under the influence of local traditions.
Recently, rock concerts are arranged for young people on May 1 in the main squares of the city, because this is also their holiday.
Among other traditions, you can note the "May Day tree", which can be an ordinary, living tree planted specifically for this holiday or a pillar magnificently decorated with bows, brushes, fringes, garlands, artificial flowers, etc. Around the May Day tree they dance and sing, dance, dance, eat, play, light light lights, rockets, fireworks. In some cities, the celebrations can be overshadowed by the fact that the night before someone stole (dug up) the May Day tree and carried it in the m direction, this is also a tradition!
The "Albero della Cuccagna" is a slightly different tree. It is a pole to which small things are tied on top of a large wheel, mainly edible (different types of sausages, ham, etc.). The most courageous, strong young people try to climb to the top to grab a tidbit. But it is not so simple, because the pole is thickly smeared with fat, so that the one who thinks that he is already in the middle of the road slides down, and the one who is ready to extend his hand behind the sausage ring is in the middle.
This is what happened on May 1st. The holiday of two components became larger and grander than the struggle, rebellion, protest.
The Catholic Church devotes May Day celebrations to St. Joseph, who was a craftsman, carpenter. May 1 is also a religious holiday. Its other name is Calendimaggio (May Holiday).