A major victim of the corona virus is the cancellation of the major 2020 May day(May first) events in both the UK and the rest of the world.
This affects me personally as every May Day I attend the London Trades Union Council May day march and demonstration in London from Clerkenwell Green to Trafalgar Square. As a past active trade unionist it means alot to me. It is a chance to meet up with old friends.
May day roots go back to ancient Rome. The Floralia Festival of Flora. Roman goddess of .Flowers. May day really took off in England in the 14th century with the May pole festival of ribbons dancing around the May pole. The festival was temporarily banned by the brutal tyrant Oliver Cromwell while he was in power.
In the late 19th century May day became associated with the Socialist and Trade Union movement. In 1889 the second International the international for socialist political party,s made May the first May day. The date when the international Socialist and Trade Union movement held demonstrations and rallies throughout the world. In the late 19th century the Catholic church made the first of May the day of St Joseph the worker.
In recent years May day has undergone a big revival in England, with Morris dancing and May pole events being held in many towns and villages. Also the London trade union may day demonstration has undergone a big revival, with large attendances on the May day demonstration.
It is of course very sad that the May day events have been cancelled throughout most of the world in tragic circumstances. For those people interested in the May day events. I would recommend spending a few minutes on May day reflecting on how you can build the fight against war, inequality and injustice.
Socialists might like to consider singing the song The International on May day. The words can be obtained from the internet.
Best wishes to all for the future and keep up the struggle.
kevinclarion 