📜 The Origins Behind the Colors

🔵 May 1 – International Workers’ Day

Why May 1? Chosen in 1889 by the Second International to honor the 1886 U.S. labor strikes for the eight‑hour workday, which began on May 1 and led to the Haymarket affair in Chicago.

Spread: Quickly adopted across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia as a day of worker solidarity.

Tone: In many countries, it’s both a political day (marches, rallies) and a festive one (concerts, fairs).

Fun twist: In places like Finland (Vappu) and Sweden (Valborg), it blends with ancient spring festivals.

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🟢 First Monday in September – U.S. & Canada

Why not May 1? In the late 1800s, U.S. leaders wanted a workers’ holiday separate from the socialist/communist associations of May Day.

First official: Oregon recognized it in 1887; by 1894, it was a U.S. federal holiday. Canada followed a similar path.

Tone: Less about protests, more about parades, picnics, and marking the unofficial end of summer.

🟠 October Dates – Australia & New Zealand

Why October? Linked to the Eight‑Hour Day movement — Australian stonemasons in Melbourne won the right to an eight‑hour workday on April 21, 1856, and celebrated annually. Over time, states shifted the holiday to spring (October in the Southern Hemisphere).

New Zealand: Adopted Labour Day in 1890 to honor its own early adoption of the eight‑hour day.

⚪ No Official Labour Day

Some countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Taiwan) don’t have a dedicated workers’ holiday, often due to different labor traditions, political systems, or existing national holidays that serve a similar purpose.

🌍 How It All Fits Together

May 1 dominates because it’s tied to a global labor movement moment.

September is a North American alternative, deliberately distanced from May Day politics.

October reflects local labor victories in the Southern Hemisphere.

Other dates are rare and usually tied to unique national histories.