Labor Day
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States of America.
When is Labor Day?
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It unofficially marks the approximate end of the summer. In fact, it used to be said that one shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day, since white is a color traditionally worn in the spring or summer. Today people wear whatever color they want, regardless of the calendar.
Why do we celebrate Labor Day?
On Labor Day we honor the American labor force. Laborers make a tremendous contribution to the functioning of our society, and we would be nowhere without workers. The labor movement was responsible for laws and practices protecting workers, such as child labor laws, minimum wage laws, and they brought us weekends, overtime, and paid vacations. There is still a long way to go in protecting vulnerable people trying to support themselves and their families. Labor Day reminds us that all workers are vital.
When did Labor Day start?
The labor movement and trade unions began to rise in the later years of the 19th century to protect laborers who might otherwise have been at the mercy of employers who were under no legal obligation to pay them a living wage. Labor Day was set aside to celebrate this movement. The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. It would be 1894 before the holiday was officially signed into law by President Grover Cleveland.
How do people celebrate Labor Day?
For many families, Labor Day weekend is the first time they use their outdoor barbecue every summer. Barbecues, picnics in the park, parades, and family and community outings occur every Labor Day all across the country, when employees take a much-deserved day off from work. However you celebrate, I hope you enjoy time to rest, spend time with people you care about, or take time alone with your pets, books, or hobbies, to relax and recharge. Whether you are currently employed or not, it doesn’t matter. You work hard every day at life, and you deserve a day of rest from your labors.