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May Day: History, significance and 3 traditional recipes to try at home

May Day is meant to celebrate the labor force and their hard work

Every year on May 1, May Day, also known as Labor Day, is observed to recognize and appreciate the labor force's vital contributions. The holiday program advocates for eight-hour working days, relaxation and entertainment.

The goal of Labor Day is to commemorate the struggles and commitment of the working class, creating awarenes about their rights and protecting them from oppression. This holiday is observed worldwide, and in certain countries, it is known as Worker's Day.

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History of May Day

May Day is observed with diverse meanings and customs, varying from country to country and culture to culture. In Medieval England, people would go into the woods to search for Maypoles erected in towns and cities. Villages would compete to have the tallest Maypole, as the pole signified male fertility, while baskets and wreaths represented female fertility. Villagers would dance around these poles to celebrate the change of season.

In the 19th century, May Day gained a new meaning as International Workers’ Day, which advocated for labor rights and an eight-hour workday in the US. As time passed, different cultures established their own May Day traditions based on their beliefs. For example, Europeans and Americans celebrate May Day with flower crowns, Maypole dancing and making flower baskets to share with loved ones.

Significance of May Day

May Day celebrates the contributions of the working class and advocates for labor rights. May Day recognizes workers' hard work and dedication, while raising awareness of their rights. This holiday reflects on labor movements' history and their impact on society and addresses contemporary issues, such as fair wages, safe working conditions and job security. May Day holds significant meaning as a time to both reflect and celebrate. It honors workers' contributions while advocating for their ongoing progress and well-being.

3 best May Day recipes to try at home

Chicken alfredo pasta

If you're searching for a quick and easy meal, this one-skillet chicken alfredo pasta is the way to go. Everything can be prepared in the same pan, from the chicken to the sauce and pasta, with very little mess to clean up. When mixing in the cheese, add broccoli or mushrooms to make it better.

Ingredients

8 ounces of pasta

2 tablespoons melted butter

2 chicken breasts

2 minced garlic cloves

1 cup of thick cream

Half cup chicken broth

Half cup shredded cheese

You can add salt and black pepper according to your taste.

Instructions

1. To begin, cook the pasta in a saucepan of salted water. If you time it well, you may add the soaked pasta to the pan at about the time the chicken breast begins to cook. Keep a container of starchy pasta water aside to thin the sauce afterward.

2. Grill the chicken breasts in a mixture of oil and butter in the way you prefer. Wrap the chicken with tin foil to keep it warm while you make the sauce. Make sure they don't overcook else they will become chewy and stringy.

3. Considering that the pasta and chicken are done, make the alfredo sauce. Utilize the same pan you utilized for cooking the chicken to save time as well as minimize the number of dishes.

4. Mix the cooked pasta and chicken into the gravy pan to mix all of the ingredients. Once the sauce is thick, add a small amount of the set-aside pasta water to adjust the consistency, and cover the pasta and chicken.

The Ultimate Paloma

Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that balances bitterness and sweetness? The Ultimate Paloma is the perfect choice! It's so delicious that you'll likely crave it throughout the entire month.

Ingredients

4 oz of chilled grapefruit soda (we recommend using Ting if possible)

1½ oz of blanco tequila

½ oz of fresh lime juice

¼ oz of fresh grapefruit juice

A pinch of salt

A grapefruit wedge or slice (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Start by freezing your grapefruit soda in the refrigerator or freezer before using it. Ice cubes should be placed in a cocktail shaker or a big glass.

2. In a shaker or glass, combine the tequila, raw lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice and a pinch of salt.

3. Shake or whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly incorporated and chilled.

4. Fill a large glass halfway with ice cubes.

5. Pour the cocktail mix over the chunks of ice in the glass.

6. Fill the glass halfway with chilled grapefruit soda and gently whisk to blend.

7. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or slice and serve.

Fresh strawberry cake

Fresh Strawberry Cake is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of May when ruby red strawberries are at their finest. This new dessert recipe comprises fresh berries and jam to create a glossy, juicy cake that's sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 cup of unsalted butter, softened

2 cups of granulated sugar

4 eggs, at room temperature

3 cups of all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 cup of buttermilk, at room temperature

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

1/4 cup of strawberry jam

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together cream, butter, and sugar until it forms a homogenous mixture.

2. Add the eggs one by one. Make sure the egg is well blended before adding the next. Next, whisk in the vanilla extract.

3. Add flour and milk to the mixture and stir it in. Fold in the baking powder. Pour the batter into the cake dish (should be 9 inches deep) and sprinkle salt on it. Use strawberries as toppings.

4. Preheat the oven to 350°F for 10 minutes, and then lower it to 325°F. Bake the cake for an hour or until done. Cover it with jam once it is cool and serve.