Another difference here in the US.
Today is May First and in the Czech Republic, May 1st is called Labor Day and is a public holiday.
More surprisingly however, May 1st in the Czech Republic is more Love Day than Labor Day. There is not a single word about Love Day on the Czech calendars however, for the majority of Czechs it means A day of Love.
The tradition of celebrating love on the first day in May goes far back to the beginning of 19th century. It was then that the great Czech Romantic poet Karel Hynek Macha lived and wrote his best work in an epic poem called: "Maj" (in English May).
This poem is about a tragic love between two young people and is a Czech classic.
On this day people venture onto Petrin hill, stand and kiss in front of Macha's statue there in the park and also stand under the blossoms of fruit trees as the custom goes as well. It holds much significance, but it is not advertised, there are no heart shaped anythings, as for Our Valentines Day. The Czech Day of Love is low key, but everyone knows all about it.
To my friends over there... Happy May Day and may it mean the most to you.
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