May Day

Origins

May Day began, like so many of our holidays, as a Pagan ritual.

Here are some related links:

• A Celebration of May Day (External Link)
• Why do we celebrate May Day by Elizabeth Batt (External Link)

International Workers' Day

Since the 1880's & 90's, the 1st of May - May Day has been also known as International Workers' Day:

• May Day History (External Link)
• More May Day History (External Link)

More recently, May Day has come to be a focus for feelings against the spread of global capitalism, leading to the May Day demonstrations and riots.

• Special Report on May Day riots of 2000 from Guardian Unlimited
  (External Link)