Schadenfreude

May Day started as number of pre-Christian celebrations including Beltane, the Walpurgis Night that were eventually Christianized along with most of Europe.

Today, however, it’s usually recognized as an International Workers day – a sort of Labor Day commemorating the fight for the eight hour work day. In many countries (notably, not the US or Canada) May Day is an official holiday.

This is somewhat ironic, since the day in question, May 1, was chosen in honor of the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886. But since US foreign policy in the 1950s (through the late 80s) was just to do the exact opposite of what the Soviet Union did, congress designated May 1 as the creepy, Orwellian, “Loyalty Day” in 1958 since May Day was observed by the Soviets.

So if you like your 8 hour work day, be sure to thank the people in the labor movement for the social and economic achievements that they fought so hard to give you.