Labor Day

For a lot of people, Labor Day means two things: a day off and the end of summer. Why is it called Labor Day? Labor Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to working men and women, and it has been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States and Canada since 1894.

The first Labor Day parade occurred Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. The workers’ unions chose the first Monday in September because it was halfway between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. The idea spread across the country, and some states designated Labor Day as a holiday before the federal holiday was created.

Labor unions themselves celebrated the first labor days in the United States, although there’s some speculation as to exactly who came up with the idea. Most historians credit Peter McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, with the original idea of a day for workers to show their solidarity. Others credit Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J.

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Fun Facts

Fact 1

Originally, Labor Day began in Canada as a historic demonstration demanding equal rights for workers. It first started in Toronto in 1872 but quickly became a momentous celebration in the United States to honor the rights of workers.

Fact 2

In the United States, the first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on Sept 5, 1882 organized by the Central Labor Union. About 10,000 workers took unpaid leave and marched for speeches, a concert, and a picnic.

Fact 3

The first American State to make Labor Day a public holiday was Oregon in 1887.

Fact 4

Under heavy pressure from voters, United States President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the Labor Day an officially recognized American holiday.

Fact 5

Much of the world observes Labor Day on May 1. In more than 80 countries worldwide, Labor Day is usually synonymous or linked with International Workers’ Day, which occurs on May 1st.

Fact 6

In the late 19th century, the average number of hours for work every day was 12 hours (there was even a time the average work day was 16 hours). The first Labor Day march was organized to support the eight-hour workday.

Fact 7

In 1916, the eight-hour work day became official.

Fact 8

The football season in the United States usually starts on or around Labor Day. Many teams usually have their first game of the year during Labor Day weekend.

Fact 9

Though Labor Day is considered by some as the last day of summer, it is actually the autumnal equinox, which is usually Sept. 21.

Fact 10

Wearing white after Labor Day has been considered unacceptable, but today’s fashion rules seem to be weary of this tradition.