A Bryson in China: Labor Day in China

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Labor Day in China

In most of the rest of the world it’s Labor Day. Of course, many of my British friends say that as Labour Day. Others call it Workers’ Day.

May 1, a day to recognize the workers of the world. Even in China. I didn’t even know to expect it until last week, but I’ve had two days of Holiday for the event. Our factory is closed for Tuesday and Wednesday to celebrate like much of the nation. A lot of factories are actually down for a week, but we just took the two traditional days of the 1^st and 2^nd. I wish we had not worked on the Monday and just made it a long weekend, even without Wednesday, but they get a little sticky to the precise judgment sometimes.

News reports have it that China is even shifting fast from its favoritism of workers. At least in the sense of pride in being a factory worker. That was long the goal of most countrymen. The foundations of the country were based, in part, on this pride of being a worker for the State. Now, as the country gets more capitalistic, at least in its sense of economic development, the people have much greater interest in entrepreneurial pursuits.

But what a wonderful day here! We had a great round of golf among friends. The Americans prevailed against the Brits in a fun match at our local course. And what truly amazed us most there, was the fact that the skies cleared and we saw blue! Yes, blue skies! Again! That’s a couple of times this month. No doubt the factories had to be closed, and the winds had to be in our favor. This is a rare event here! But ohhhh sooo welcome!

Happy Labor Day!

Labels: China, Dongguan, Parks