What Is Labor Day and Why Do We Celebrate It?

Fun Facts About the History of Labor Day in America

For most workers today, Labor Day means a nice long holiday weekend that marks the end of summer and maybe a one last getaway with the kids before school starts. The legal holiday is designated for the first Monday in September in the United States, which this year falls on September 7th. It was designed to celebrate the tremendous effort that workers, past and present, have put forth for the social, political and economic growth of this country. Here’s a little history about it.

Back in the 1880’s, when Americans worked 12-hour days and 7-day weeks, Labor Day began as a commemoration of the Labor Movement. The first Labor Day holiday was on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City and was planned by the Central Labor Union. Traditionally, this day called for a parade of workers followed by a festival for workers and their families. Oregon was the first state to enact the holiday in 1887 and by June 28, 1894, it became a national holiday. (Source: http://www.techtimes.com/articles/14409/20140829/why-do-we-celebrate-labor-day.htm)

Thankfully for American factory workers, in 1916, the Adamson Act was passed which established the 8 hour workday across the nation! It was the first time that a federal law was enacted to regulate working hours for employees of private companies.

Other Fun Facts About Labor Day

  • Labor Day is typically a large retail shopping holiday with some stores claiming that it’s second only to Black Friday’s Christmas shopping. Unfortunately for most retail workers, this day is a very busy workday!
  • Traditionally, Labor Day was said to be the last day of the year when it is acceptable and fashionable to wear seersucker or white. That may be debatable in Florida where the “fashion police” may be more concerned with staying cool.
  • This also the time of year when NFL and college football kicks off once again. Here’s wishing the Tampa Bay Bucs and the USF Bulls a great, healthy season.
  • Of course, Labor Day also marks the end of summer break for students, as many schools open again right around the holiday. Most Florida school districts return a few weeks before Labor Day but in other parts of the country, schools open again right after the holiday. Technically summer doesn’t officially end until September 21st, but if you live in the Tampa area, you won’t feel much of a temperature change until mid-October!

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