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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class — Holidays in Egypt Series at ArabicPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Egyptian holidays and observances. I’m John, and you're listening to Lesson 14, Labor Day. In Egyptian Arabic, it’s called [عيد العمال (ʿīd el-ʿummāl)]. |
| In this lesson, we are going to talk about a feast that most countries celebrate on the same day: May 1st. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| Do you know when and where was the first celebration of Labor Day? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| The main purpose of Labor Day is calling for the improvement of working conditions and forcing countries to abide by a minimum wage and maximum work hours. Many countries over the years have begun to respond to workers' demands and have turned May 1st into Labor Day, an annual occasion for celebrating their work and efforts. |
| Egypt began celebrating Labor Day in 1924. At that time, the Alexandrian government labor union, or [اتحاد عمال (etteḥād ʿummāl)], used to organize a big celebration for workers, or [العمال (el-ʿummāl)], but it was unofficial. After the revolution of July 23, 1952, the celebration became official and enjoyed the support of the president Gamal Abdel-Nasser, who is also known for being a supporter of workers' rights. It was only in 1964 that May 1st became a public holiday. |
| The celebration of Labor Day in Egypt includes a speech, or [خطبة (ḫoṭbah)], delivered by the president in the presence of representatives of various labor unions. The president also honors the old labor and union leaders who had a positive effect in improving the conditions of workers. Besides the speech, TV stations present programs that raise awareness of the importance of workers’ rights, or [ حقوق (ḥuʾuʾ)]. |
| And now I'll give you the answer to the earlier quiz. |
| Do you know when and where was the first celebration of Labor Day? |
| The first celebration of Labor Day was in 1886 in the state of Chicago in the United States of America. In that year, workers went on a strike demanding the improvement of working conditions and a decrease in working hours. "Strike" in Egyptian Arabic is [إضراب (ʾeḍrāb)]. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Do you celebrate Labor Day? Let us know in the comments and we’ll see you next time! Bye! إلى اللقاء (ʾilā al-liqaāʾ)! |
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