May Day is just around the corner, and while the calendar means that we’re not getting a day off until the following week, May Day traditions will still be taking place on the first of the month.
The first day of May is celebrated in different ways around the globe, as it’s also International Workers’ Day the world over.
Different countries mark May Day and International Workers’ Day in different ways, so what traditions can be found around the world?
Sweden
International Workers’ Day on 1 May has been an important part of the Swedish calendar for more than 100 years.
The day was made a public holiday in 1938, and each year sees thousands of workers march to the headquarters of the trade union in Stockholm.
Hawaii, USA
In the US, International Workers’ Day is not marked in the same way as other countries as attempts to move Labour Day to 1 May have been largely unsuccessful.
But in Hawaii, 1 May has been set aside to celebrate the island’s culture since the 1920s. Known as Lei Day, the celebrations see islanders come together for singing, traditional dancing, and general merriment.
Britain
No look at May Day traditions would be complete without taking in these fair isles. Traditionally a Pagan celebration, May Day sees many cultural traditions still celebrated today.
The May Day celebrations will be familiar to most people, with traditions such as dancing round the Maypole and Morris Dancing demonstrations held around the country.
(Images: Pete Ashton, Vattkoppa, Viriditas, Arpingstone)
