The full name of the holiday on May 1 in the Russian Federation. Labour Day

Public holidays are holidays officially established by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation. Some public holidays are contained in the Labor Code of the Russian Federation and are non-working days. The other part of the holidays is working, but nevertheless, various festive events of an entertaining nature are officially held these days.

Official holidays in Russia, including public holidays, are enshrined in the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. So, in article 112. of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation non-working holidays are listed, which include:
January 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 - New Year and New Year holidays;
January 7 - Christmas;
February 23 - Defender of the Fatherland Day;
March 8 - International Women's Day;
May 1 - Spring and Labor Day;
May 9 - Victory Day;
June 12 - Day of Russia;
November 4 - National Unity Day.

Public holidays in Russia - a brief description.

January 15 -

Peter I, referring to the inconvenience in relations with the European peoples, issued a decree to celebrate the New Year from the day of the Nativity of the God-man, i.e. January 1 instead of September 1. It was forbidden to celebrate the New Year on September 1st.
In our time, this date is enshrined in the Labor Code of the Russian Federation (Labor Code of the Russian Federation) dated December 30, 2001 N 197-FZ, as amended. Federal Law of December 29, 2004 N 201-FZ. New Year holidays last from 1 to 5 January.
New Year is one of the most solemn and beloved by all holidays. The main attribute of this wonderful winter holiday is considered to be a New Year tree, usually installed at home, as well as in places of festivities. Speaking about the attributes and features of the New Year, one cannot help but recall such a fabulous character of primordially Russian folk art as Santa Claus. The New Year's address of the head of state a few minutes before the new year has also become traditional. A common fun on New Year's Eve is the use of various pyrotechnics: sparklers, firecrackers, Roman candles, rockets and various firecrackers.

Jan. 7 -

Christmas is rightfully considered one of the most important Orthodox holidays. This solemn day is dedicated to a great event for believers, the birth of Jesus Christ. In terms of significance for the church, this most holy holiday is immediately after another bright holiday - Easter. On the night of Christmas, solemn services are held in the temples. One of the main symbols of the Nativity of Christ is the Christmas tree. Despite the fact that Christmas is a purely religious holiday, this holiday is firmly entrenched in the minds of people as a pleasant day that can be spent in a warm family atmosphere. At Christmas, as well as at New Year, it is customary to give gifts to relatives and friends.

February 23 -

Existed in the days of the USSR.

On February 10, 1995, the State Duma of Russia adopted the federal law "On the Days of Russia's Military Glory". In it, this day is named as follows: "February 23 - Day of the victory of the Red Army over the Kaiser troops of Germany in 1918 - Defender of the Fatherland Day."
Previously, this wonderful holiday was called the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. In addition to changing the name, the holiday has undergone a change in content. Despite the fact that officially this is the day of all defenders of the Fatherland, both male and female, today, Defender of the Fatherland Day is increasingly perceived as the day of all men, being a kind of analogue of March 8 for men.

March 8 -

For the first time, "international" women's day was celebrated in 1911 in four countries - Austria, Germany, Denmark and Switzerland, but on different days. In Russia, International Women's Day was first celebrated in 1913, but only in one city, and in 1914 - throughout the country.
1975 was declared by the United Nations the "International Year of Women", and on March 8, at the suggestion of the USSR delegation, by decision of the same UN, it received the official status of "International Women's Day".
International Day of All Women, celebrated in many countries as the day of women's struggle for their rights. Historically, this holiday was the result of a number of marches and strikes of the beautiful half of humanity against discrimination at work, for a reduction in the working day, for an increase in wages. Due to the fact that today the need for the struggle of women for their rights has practically disappeared, March 8 has become a solemn holiday dedicated to all women. On this wonderful day, it is customary to congratulate and give gifts to absolutely all women: mothers, grandmothers, wives, beloved ladies of the heart and simply wonderful work colleagues.

1st of May -

For the first time on the territory of the Russian Empire, he appeared in 1890-1891. The original name is International Workers' Day. In the Soviet Union, the holiday was often called simply by the number - May 1 (May Day).
A holiday formerly known as International Workers' Day. Almost immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the holiday was renamed the Spring and Labor Day. Along with the name change, the general perception of this day has also changed. Once the main day when one could express one's concern over a number of social and political problems, it has become more and more perceived as a glorious warm spring holiday at the beginning of the last month of spring, when you can relax with your family at home or in the country.

9th May -

Victory Day is a holy holiday for each of us, which has been celebrated since 1945.

At the same time, a solemn and bitter celebration of the victory of Soviet troops over the invader in the Great Patriotic War. On this significant day, it is customary to congratulate veterans and celebrate the merits of the Soviet people, who took upon themselves all the hardships of wartime for the future of their Motherland. On May 9, meetings of veterans are traditionally held, a parade of troops and military equipment is held, flowers are laid at the places of Military Glory. The importance and solemnity of this day is emphasized by the festive fireworks roaring in many Russian cities. On Victory Day, people sincerely rejoice at the victory in this difficult war and honor the masculinity and extraordinary stamina of the Soviet people.
It is on May 9 that we especially strongly feel our responsibility for preserving the true history of our country, we feel pride in our long-suffering people and we want to believe that the horrors of the war will not happen again.

12 June -

Russia Day or Independence Day of Russia, as this holiday was called until 2002, is one of the “youngest” public holidays in the country.
In 1994, the first President of Russia Boris Yeltsin, by his decree, gave this day a national significance - the Day of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia. And since 2002 - June 12 is celebrated as the "Day of Russia".

Celebrated since 2005.

This is not a new holiday, but a return to the old holiday after a long break (from 1917 to 2005).
The alleged reason for the approval of the holiday was the cancellation of the Day of the Great October Socialist Revolution. November 7 was replaced by National Unity Day, which is celebrated on November 4 and is officially a non-working holiday. On December 16, 2004, the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted simultaneously in three readings amendments to the federal law "On the Days of Military Glory (Victory Days of Russia)". One of the changes was the introduction of a new holiday - National Unity Day. There was an actual transfer of the state holiday from November 7 (was the Day of Accord and Reconciliation) to November 4 (Became - the Day of National Unity).

On May 1, 2017, in modern Russia, for the 25th time, the Spring and Labor Day is celebrated. May Day is an international and international holiday and is celebrated in many countries around the world. Previously, on May 1, demonstrations of workers and military parades were held on the territory of the USSR, but in today's Russia, the holiday has lost its original political character. For most Russians, May Day is a warm holiday, during which the population arranges a truly spring vacation with picnics in nature.

The history of May Day dates back to the Chicago events of the 19th century. Then the American workers on May 1, 1886, organized a strike demanding an 8-hour working day, which ended in a bloody clash with the police. In memory of those tragic events, the Paris Congress of the Second International in July 1889 declared May 1 the Day of Workers' Solidarity and proposed that it should be celebrated annually with demonstrations around the world.

In the USSR, May 1 began to be considered a holiday after the October Revolution of 1917. The Soviet authorities decided to hold demonstrations of workers and military parades on this day. For many years, May Day was the main public holiday in the USSR, but on May 1, 1990, the official May Day demonstration took place for the last time, and after the collapse of the USSR, this day was renamed the "Spring and Labor Day".

In modern Russia, May 1 is celebrated as the Holiday of Spring and Labor. The same name is used in Tajikistan. In Ukraine, this date is still celebrated as the Day of International Solidarity of Workers. In Kazakhstan, on May 1, the Day of Unity of the People of Kazakhstan is celebrated, and in Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Labor Day is celebrated.

But no matter how the first day of May is called - the Holiday of Spring and Labor or the Day of Solidarity of Workers, it, as before, for many symbolizes the arrival of spring and rebirth. In Russia, it carries a great emotional charge, connected not only with the feeling of the spring awakening of nature, but also with the perception of May 1 as a common celebration that unites all Russians.

Spring and Labor Day 2019 is celebrated in Russia on May 1st. It is a public holiday and a day off in the country. It is dedicated to all workers. Another popular name for the celebration is May Day.

history of the holiday

The history of the holiday dates back to the middle of the 19th century. In 1856, workers in Australia held mass protests and put forward demands for an eight-hour day. The Australian movement was taken up by the workers of Canada and the USA. On May 1, 1886, a demonstration in Chicago ended in a skirmish with the police and bloodshed. In July 1889, in Paris, the congress of the Second International decided to hold annual May Day demonstrations in memory of the dead.

In Russia, the first festive events and actions were held in 1891 in St. Petersburg. In 1918, the government of the RSFSR decided to celebrate May 1 as a public holiday, International Day. In 1972, it received the name "International Workers' Day - May Day" and began to be celebrated on May 1 and 2. In 1992, it was renamed the Spring and Labor Day. Until 2005, May 1 and 2 were official non-working holidays in Russia. In accordance with the Federal Law of December 29, 2004 No. 201-FZ “On Amending Article 112 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation”, only May 1 is a day off.

Traditions and rituals

On May 1, trade unions, communist, anarchist and alternative political parties organize actions and parades, which highlight slogans for workers' rights. Concerts and entertainment programs with the participation of pop stars are held on the squares of the cities.

The first persons of the state send postcards, diplomas, thanks, awards and valuable gifts to distinguished workers.

On May Day, not only workers are celebrated, but also the onset of the last month of spring, symbolizing the flowering of all life and the approach of summer. On this holiday, the inhabitants of Russia arrange May Day: picnics, trips out of town, fishing, to the country. During such forays into nature, they cook dishes on fire, sing songs with a guitar, play games.

For many citizens of the Russian Federation, the May 1 holiday has lost its original political and social meaning and has become an occasion to meet friends, colleagues and enjoy outdoor recreation.

Three thousand years ago, the inhabitants of Ancient Italy worshiped the goddess Maya, the patroness of the earth and fertility. In honor of her, the last month of spring was called May, and festivities were organized on its first day.

On May 1, 1886, American workers went on strike demanding an 8-hour day. The strike and accompanying demonstration ended in a bloody clash with the police. The history of the May 1 holiday, the Day of International Solidarity of Workers, begins in July 1889, when the Paris Congress of the Second International, in memory of the action of the workers of Chicago, decided to hold annual demonstrations on May 1.

The appearance of mayovok is closely connected with the first of May. This is a gathering of the whole family or company for a picnic. Picnics are held on May 1st or 2nd. This tradition of celebrating in nature was invented in the USSR and has survived to this day. Initially, in pre-revolutionary Russia, Mayovka was an illegal gathering of workers outside the city on May 1st. Maevkas were persecuted by the tsarist police. In Soviet times, mayovkas became more of a form of collective recreation, the beginning of the summer season, barbecues, spending time in nature and have survived in this form to this day.

In Sicily, everyone from young to old gathers meadow daisies on May Day, which, according to local beliefs, bring happiness. Flower festivals, which originated in Italy, came to England in the Middle Ages. On the first day of May, the English country people got up at dawn to pick flowers. In a clearing in the village, they set up a tall Maypole, decorated it with bright wild flowers, danced and sang around the tree. Nowadays in London, children go door to door and sell flowers. They throw all the collected money into the wishing well or give it to various charitable organizations.

In Finland, May Day (Vappu) is the students' spring carnival. In Helsinki, the festivities begin on April 30, when at six o'clock in the evening students put on a white cap - the headdress of applicants - on the statue of the nymph Havis Amanda, located on the Market Square of the capital. At this moment, all those present also put on their caps and open bottles of champagne. Those who graduated from the lyceum and passed the final exam receive a white student cap.

The first of May is also the Feast of Lilies of the Valley. Among the ancient Germans, lilies of the valley were dedicated to the goddess of the rising sun and dawn. With the spread of Christianity, a legend appeared that these flowers arose from the tears of the Virgin Mary.

The tradition of giving bouquets of lilies of the valley on the first day of May was introduced in France almost 500 years ago by Charles IX. In France, the custom has long taken root - on the first of May, early in the morning, go to the forest for lilies of the valley, and in the evening arrange a feast and dances. If a girl exchanged bouquets of lilies of the valley with a guy, this served as a promise that she would dance only with him.

On Solidarity Day in South Africa, trade unions organize exhibitions of folk art, sale of goods, performances of amateur and professional musical groups.

The holiday, which is celebrated in Russia, the United States and a number of countries in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia on the first day of May, is known under several names at once - International Workers' Day, Spring and Labor Day, Labor Day, Spring Day. In Soviet times, most Russians called this holiday according to the date it was held - May 1 or May Day.

The emergence of the tradition of celebrating May Day is associated with the events that took place in Chicago in the 19th century. On May 1, 1886, large-scale rallies and demonstrations of workers began in the city, demanding that their employers introduce an eight-hour working day.

The action ended in clashes with the police. On May 3, at the Cyrus McCormick Harvester Plant, police opened fire on strikers, killing at least two workers. On May 4, at a protest rally in Haymarket Square, a terrorist threw a bomb at police officers, who responded by firing into the crowd. Sixty police officers were injured, eight were killed, the exact number of dead workers was not determined. The police arrested hundreds of citizens, seven anarchist workers were sentenced to death.

In July 1889, the Paris Congress of the Second International, at the suggestion of the French delegate Raymond Lavigne, in solidarity with the Chicago workers, decided to hold annual labor demonstrations on May 1.

On May 1, 1890, the holiday was first held in Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, USA, Norway, France and Sweden. In the UK, it took place on May 4th. The main slogan of the demonstrations was the demand for an eight-hour working day.

In 1891, by decision of the Brussels Congress of the Second International, sections of the International in each country were given the right to independently set the date and form of celebration on May 1, after which in Great Britain and some other countries the demonstrations were transferred to the first Sunday of May.

On May 1, 1891, the Social Democratic group of the revolutionary Mikhail Brusnev organized the first celebratory gathering of workers in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg).

May Day became a form of May Day celebration - an illegal revolutionary meeting of workers, usually arranged outside the city.

On July 30, 1928, by a decree of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee of the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR, the days off of Soviet citizens became longer, there were two Days of the International - on May 1 and 2.

May 1, 1933 passed over Red Square. From that moment on, air parades were held regularly until the outbreak of World War II, as an integral part of the demonstration of Soviet military power. The parades showed the achievements of the Soviet aviation industry - the Maxim Gorky aircraft, the fastest I-16 fighter of its time, and others.

During the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), parades and processions in honor of May 1 were not held.

On May 1, 1956, a television report was made for the first time on a military parade and a demonstration of workers on Red Square. Since that time, festive events on Red Square have been broadcast annually by central television channels.

In 1970, the Fundamentals of Labor Legislation of the USSR assigned a new name to the holiday: May 1 and 2 officially became the Days of International Solidarity of Workers.

On May 1, 1990, during a demonstration, an alternative column entered Red Square with anti-communist and anti-Soviet slogans. USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev and other leaders of the country left the podium of the Mausoleum, the television broadcast of the event was stopped, and the military parade did not take place.

In 1992, by a resolution of the Supreme Council of the Russian Federation of June 30, Workers' Solidarity Day was renamed the Spring and Labor Day.

In 1993, the May Day demonstration of workers in Moscow ended in riots. According to official figures, several dozen people were injured as a result, and an OMON officer was killed.

In 2001, the Labor Code of the Russian Federation adopted on December 30 (Article 112) made May 2 a working day, only one day remained - May 1, the Holiday of Spring and Labor.

The Holiday of Spring and Labor is celebrated in Russia with mass demonstrations and rallies, folk festivals and concerts.

In 2016, he took part in the celebrations on the Day of Spring and Labor in Russia, more than 2 thousand rallies and processions took place in 1.2 thousand cities and towns.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti and open sources