April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. And with those flowers comes May Day, a holiday that most people have heard of but have no idea what it’s for

May Day, celebrated on May 1 every year, has its roots in ancient pagan（异教徒的） festivals marking a new start of a new season——summer. Over the centuries, it developed and took on a more non-religious nature In Europe, including the addition of maypole dances that the holiday is now associated with. But May Day isn’t all about skipping around with ribbons in the sunshine. It has also been on the same day as International Workers' Day since the 1880s. In fact, May Day refers to America's Labor Day for certain countries.

On May 1, 1886, hundreds of thousands of U. S. industrial workers participated in a nationwide strike to demand an 8-hour workday. The protests in Chicago lasted for several days, and on May 3, a strike at McCormick Reaper Works ended in a brawl with police officers. Several strikers were wounded or killed. The next night, the violence became even worse. When police came to break up a crowd of protestors gathered in Hay-market Square, a bomb went off in the police ranks. The bomb killed seven policemen and wounded 60 more. Police then opened fire on the crowd, killing several men and wounding 200.

In memory of these events, the International Socialist Conference declared May 1 as an international holiday for labor. That’s why the world sees not only celebrations of warmer weather on the first day of May, but oftentimes marches for labor unions as well

When you’re on holiday, it’s so natural to enjoy the perfect gin moment. You’re sitting on a sunny balcony, enjoying the view and watching the locals. You realize you’ve done it; you’re living la dolce vita — the sweet life.

That’s what the aperitivo hour is all about. This slow and stylish start to the evening begins just before sunset, when Italians of all ages gather for drinks, snacks and friendship. It’s life-affirming. It can become the bridge between the responsibilities of people’s working day and the delights of their dinner. Much magic lies on that bridge.

It’s still a nationwide event in Italy, observed across the generations in humble inns, charming restaurants and trendy rooftop bars. Connoisseurs (鉴赏家) of the aperitivo hour say Florence, Turin and Venice are standard bearers for the tradition, but many agree that Milan is where its heart lies. In truth, aperitivo takes place all across Italy from the northern regions mentioned right through to the impressive Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. Therefore, wherever visitors wander, they will be able to enjoy this elegant tradition. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy it. The conversations and bonding of the aperitivo hour bring new ideas about life.

Many of us have been amazed by an easier-going routine during a fortnight abroad in the summer. As the taxi takes us back to the airport to fly home, we promise ourselves that we will continue to live that way at home, but that ambitious promise seems to get lost somewhere around the luggage carousel (传送带) back in Blighty.

Well, it’s never too late to start. With some travel restrictions still in place, now is the perfect moment to bring the Italian experience to your home. In a way, the events of the past few months have been training us for it. Many of us have been forced to take our foot off the pedal and ease into the slow lane, so there is no simpler time to bring the aperitivo hour into your home.