Fact 1: International Workers' Day
May 1st is known globally as International Workers' Day or Labour Day, commemorating the efforts of workers around the world. This tradition began on May 1st, 1886, when over 300,000 workers across the United States walked off their jobs to protest for an eight-hour workday.
Fact 2: Haymarket Riot of 1886
The celebration of May 1st as a workers' day is linked to the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, USA. What began as a peaceful rally supporting workers striking for an eight-hour workday turned violent when a bomb was thrown at the police, who then opened fire on the crowd. This significant event helped spark the international labor movement.
Fact 3: May Day Pagan Origins
Before it became internationally recognized as Workers' Day, May 1st was celebrated as May Day, a tradition with roots in ancient pagan festivals. The day signified the midpoint between spring and summer, often characterized by dancing around the maypole, crowning a May Queen, and various other festivities expressing joy and abundance.
Fact 4: Birth Date of a Notable French Leader
May 1st holds significance in French history as the birth date of a notable leader, Marshal Hubert Lyautey (1854-1934). Lyautey served as France's Minister of War during World War I and played a crucial role in the colonization of Morocco.
Fact 5: Hawaii Celebrates Lei Day
In Hawaii, May 1st is celebrated as Lei Day, a day to appreciate Hawaiian culture. The tradition started in 1928, where people are encouraged to wear, make, and gift leis (a wreath of flowers). The first Lei Day introduced the Lei Queen and her court, a tradition that continues.
Fact 6: National Mother Goose Day
May 1st is also celebrated as National Mother Goose Day in the United States. It was created in 1987 by Gloria T. Delamar in tandem with the publication of her book, "Mother Goose: From Nursery to Literature." The day encourages the celebration of classic nursery rhymes and stories.
Fact 7: Famous Deaths on May 1st
Several iconic personality passed away on May 1st, notably Joseph Heller, the American author of "Catch-22", who died in 1999, and Osama Bin Laden, the founder of Al-Qaeda, who was killed in 2011.
Fact 8: Great Guernsey Trail Opens
On May 1st, 2015, the Great Guernsey Trail officially opened in Guernsey County, Ohio. Spanning six miles long, the trail provides inviting nature scenes and showcases local wildlife.
Fact 9: Save the Rhino Day
May 1st is also recognized globally as "Save the Rhino Day", an annual observance to raise awareness about the decreasing rhino population and the ongoing conservation efforts.
Fact 10: Shakespeare's Sonata's Publication
On May 1, 1609, Shakespeare's sonnets were first published in London by Thomas Thorpe. The collection included 154 sonnets in total and solidified Shakespeare's standing as a popular poet.
Fact 11: The Opening of the Empire State Building
May 1st was also the day when the iconic Empire State Building officially opened in 1931. With 102 stories, it was the tallest building in the world until 1970.
Fact 12: Recognized as Global Love Day
The Love Foundation started observing May 1 as Global Love Day in 2004 to encourage people worldwide to observe and share love in any form or fashion.
Fact 13: The Launching of the RMS Queen Mary
The British ocean liner RMS Queen Mary was launched on May 1, 1936, and embarked on its maiden voyage. It was one of the grandest and fastest ships of its time.
Fact 14: The World Expo
The world's first recognized international exposition or the World Expo was inaugurated in London on May 1, 1851. Named "The Great Exhibition", it marked a milestone in the history of international trade fairs and exhibitions.
Fact 15: Founding of the Smithsonian Institution
On May 1, 1847, the Smithsonian Institution was established in Washington D.C., starting its journey as the world's largest museum, education, and research complex.
Fact 16: The Beatles’ Last Ever Live Performance
On May 1, 1966, the world-famous British band, The Beatles, gave their last-ever commercial concert at the NME Poll-Winners' Concert.
Fact 17: Inauguration of the Chain Bridge in Budapest
May 1 marks the opening of the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest, Hungary. This iconic structure, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, was inaugurated on May 1, 1849.
Fact 18: The Birth of Citizen Band (CB) Radio
On May 1, 1958, the Citizen Band (CB) Radio Service was established. This two-way, short-distance communication service provided an essential link for personal and business communications.
Fact 19: Ice Hockey World Championships Commence
Traditionally, the Men's Ice Hockey World Championships commence on May 1st, making it a day of particular importance for hockey fans worldwide.
Fact 20: Purebred Dog Day
Lastly, in some parts of the world, May 1st is celebrated as National Purebred Dog Day to recognize and appreciate the hundreds of unique dog breeds. It's a day dedicated to preserving and promoting the pedigreed dog.