1st of May. Long live the holiday of the working people of all countries! (Ivanov S.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The image is a Soviet propaganda poster from 1920, celebrating May Day, the international Workers Day. It features a vibrant red background, symbolizing revolution and passion. At the top, in bold green lettering, is the inscription 1 Мая (May 1st).

The central figure is a woman in a flowing white garment, depicted in motion, possibly leaping or dancing. Her long, blonde hair billows around her. She is scattering red roses, which fall like confetti against the red backdrop. The roses symbolize victory, celebration, and possibly the blood shed for the cause of labor.

Below the central figure, a large crowd of people is visible, depicted in dark silhouettes. They are holding banners, identifiable as socialist or communist slogans, reinforcing the theme of collective action and solidarity. The crowd represents the working class, the masses united in celebration.

The overall composition is dynamic and celebratory. The upward movement of the woman and the falling roses convey a sense of triumph and optimism. The stark contrast between the bright white of the womans attire and hair, the green text, and the red background creates a visually striking image.

The subtext of the poster is clearly aligned with socialist and communist ideology:

• Celebration of the Working Class: The poster unequivocally celebrates the labor movement and the international solidarity of workers.
• Revolutionary Spirit: The dominant red color, the dynamic composition, and the imagery of scattering roses are indicative of a revolutionary fervor and the aspirations for a new society.
• Hope and Progress: The bright colors and the graceful, ascending figure of the woman suggest hope for a brighter future achieved through collective effort and struggle.
• Internationalism: The text ПРАЗДНИК ТРУДЯЩИХСЯ ВСЕХ СТРАН! (Holiday of the working people of all countries!) explicitly emphasizes the global nature of the workers struggle and solidarity.
• Victory and Sacrifice: The roses can be interpreted as symbols of victory achieved through sacrifice, linking the celebration to the historical struggles of the working class.

In essence, the poster is a powerful visual anthem for the May Day celebration, designed to inspire pride, unity, and revolutionary enthusiasm among the working masses.