1 Mei 2025
Every year, when May begins, our screens light up with big sales. Discounts, cashback offers, flash deals. For many of us, especially those who are always online, this is a golden time to shop. Brands and marketplaces compete for attention with catchy names like “1.5 Sale” or “Mayday Madness.” It is exciting, yes. But do we ever pause and ask ourselves why May 1st became such a big deal?
THE REAL MEANING BEHIND MAYDAY
Before it became a shopping festival, May 1st was and still is International Workers’ Day. This date honors the long and difficult journey of workers’ rights. It began in 1886 in Chicago, with a massive protest now known as the Haymarket Affair. Thousands of workers took to the streets to demand a fairer work schedule. They wanted eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for personal life.
The protest ended in violence, and many lives were lost. But the spirit of the movement lived on. It became a powerful symbol of labor justice, inspiring laws and protections for workers across the world. Today, countries including Indonesia recognize May 1st as a national holiday to appreciate the role of workers in our daily lives.
SO WHY THE SHOPPING FRENZY?
The answer is simple. May 1st is a public holiday in many countries. People are off work and have more time to shop. In countries with seasonal changes, early May also marks a shift from one fashion season to another. Brands take this chance to launch new collections and offer clearance sales.
In Indonesia, Mayday has become a major event in e-commerce. Platforms like Tokopedia, Shopee, and Lazada offer massive promotions. In China, the first week of May is known as the Golden Week. People travel, shop, and enjoy time off. Even in the United States and Europe, where Labor Day is celebrated in other months, companies often use Mayday for extra campaigns and online deals.
THE RISE OF MAYDAY SALE IN THE DIGITAL ERA
As e-commerce grows, Mayday Sale is becoming a tradition. It is not just about shopping. It is a seasonal event people look forward to. A 2023 report by GlobalData showed that online transactions during Mayday increased by 18 percent compared to the same period the year before.
People take advantage of the sales to buy household needs or things they have been waiting for. From clothing to electronics, the Mayday Sale reaches people of all ages. It is part of our modern shopping culture.
A REMINDER OF WHAT TRULY MATTERS
While shopping can be enjoyable, let us not forget the true purpose of May 1st. Behind every product we buy is the work of someone who made it possible. The factory worker, the delivery driver, the warehouse packer. They are all part of a system that supports our daily lives.
Mayday is not only about shopping. It is about respect. Respect for the people who work hard to make our lives easier. It is also a time to reflect on fair wages, safe workspaces, and better working conditions. As consumers, we can make better choices. We can support local businesses, choose ethical products, and avoid unnecessary spending.
CELEBRATE WITH MEANING
So while you enjoy your Mayday Sale, take a moment to appreciate the people behind the scenes. Every item in your cart is a result of someone’s labor. Let us remember their contribution and their fight for a better future.
Let Mayday be more than just a day for shopping. Let it be a reminder that progress comes from courage, unity, and the will to make things better.Behind every good deal is a great deal of hard work
