For most people, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and the start of a new school year; a 3-day weekend that involves cook-outs, family, friends, parades and sleeping in on a Monday morning. At least that's how many of us see the holiday, as most have forgotten how the day came to be what it is.
Labor day was originally a way to recognize our hard working laborers in the late 1800's. It started the fight for fair wages and gave all employees the rights that we overlook today; things that many over-worked Americans could only dream of then. They worked for little pay that barely covered living expenses, if at all. They worked long 16 hour days with no sick time or vacation pay. Over 10,000 Americans workers gave up a day's salary to march in the first labor day parade (which was held on a Tuesday even though we now celebrate it every first Monday in September)
Some Fun Facts about Labor Day:
- The average American spends more than 100 hours a year commuting to work which is more than the two weeks of vacation they accrue each year
- Labor Day is celebrated not only in the United States, but in Canada as well, with origins stemming from labor disputes in Toronto in the 1870s
- Labor Day was declared a national holiday by President Grover Cleveland in 1894
- Traditionally it's been unacceptable to wear white after Labor Day, although most no longer abide by this anymore
- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Labor Day marks the end of hot dog season. The Council estimates that seven billion (yup, that's a "b") are consumed by Americans from Memorial Day to Labor Day!
- Many countries celebrate Labor Day in May as May Day or International Workers Day (May 1)
So as you celebrate this Labor Day, remember to take a moment to thank all of the hard-working men and women in our country who dedicate endless hours to support the country's industries.
