When we celebrate May Day today, have you ever wondered if the ancients had their own "Labor Day"? The answer is yes, but their holidays are not the same as the May Day we know now!
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May Day in modern society, originated from the movement of workers in Europe and the United States to fight for their rights at the end of the 19th century, it is a global holiday that aims to recognize the contributions of workers and give everyone a chance to rest. However, back in ancient times, there were no factories, no Internet, and some vast fields and hard-working farmers, and their "Labor Day" was naturally closely linked to the land and agricultural time.
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If you want to say that the ancient festival that is most similar to modern Labor Day, you have to mention "February 2, the dragon raises its head". This date marks the official arrival of spring in the lunar calendar and the beginning of spring ploughing. The ancients believed that on this day the dragon would wake up from hibernation, bring rain and moisten all things, and it was a good time to sow seeds.
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Not only on the second day of February, but many festivals in ancient times were closely related to agricultural production. For example, the Double Ninth Festival in September is not only a festival for climbing high and looking into the distance, but also a symbol of harvest, and the hard work of the year is rewarded at this moment. Such a festival is not only a celebration of the fruits of labor, but also a tribute to the laborers, and every link is full of reverence for the land and labor.
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In the Qing Dynasty, there was also a special "Labor and Peasants' Day", which gave special treatment to old farmers over 70 years old, which was equivalent to the current "pension" plus holiday benefits, reflecting the court's respect and care for farmers who had worked hard all their lives.
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Although there was no clear name of "Labor Day" in ancient times, those festivals that revolved around farming culture all demonstrated the spirit of "labor is the most glorious". Whether it is planting in spring and busy in summer or harvesting in autumn and winter, every solar term and every sacrifice is an affirmation and celebration of the value of laborers. Today, when we enjoy the May Day holiday, we might as well pay tribute to our ancestors who faced the loess thousands of years ago with their backs to the sky, and thanked them for their industrious wisdom passed down from generation to generation, so that the word "labor" shines no matter in which era.
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Finally, in our modern life, let us not forget our original intention and remember those ancient festivals, which remind us that no matter how advanced technology is, labor is always the cornerstone of creating a better life, and it is the most worthy of respect and celebration.