Labour Day 2018: Markets closed today | Fascinating facts about May Day

All major markets, including bullion, metal, oil and oilseeds, foodgrain and jaggery, remained closed on Tuesday, May 1, on account of "MAY DAY" or "Labour Day" Holiday.

The origin of May Day | Labour Day

Like many holidays, many countries claim to have the origin and roots to May Day.

Communities celebrate the same changes in the world and would welcome spring season, with a wish that better weather and new crops bless them with open arms after struggle and hardships of winter.

In ancient Roman times, the celebration was in the name of Flora, their goddess of flowers, whereas the festival is very much pagan in origin, in and around the Europe.

Fascinating facts about May Day | Labour Day

May Day is observed throughout the world. In various countries like India, UK, Sweden, Romania and Norway, it is a holiday.

In 1990’s May Day became a day to honour and celebrate labour in many countries. Both the labours and armed forces would be celebrated on this day. Later, May Day became Labour Day in many countries across the world.

1. In Ancient Greece, people celebrated it as the Festival of Chloris. She was the goddess of flowers and spring. The Ancient Romans followed a similar pattern and honoured the goddess of Flora.

2. In England, Morris dancers wear hats decorated with flowers and ankle bells. While dancing, they stomp their feet, bang sticks together and wave handkerchiefs.

3. One of the traditional May Day dance in England is called Cumberland Square.

4. Maypoles are sometimes made from old ship’s masts.

5. Many people in ancient times believed that May Day was the last chance for the fairies to come to the Earth.

6. In Italy, May Day is regarded as the happiest day of the year

7. ‘Mayday’ has nothing to do with the first of May. It was derived from the French word venez m'aider, meaning “come help me.”