Labor Day, Workingman's Holiday
Labor Day
Date When Celebrated: This holiday is always observed on the first Monday in September.
Labor Day honors and celebrates the work and accomplishments of the American worker. It is also appropriately called the “Workingman’s Holiday”. The holiday offers respect and appreciation for the work you do in or outside of the home, union or non-union, big company, small company, or government. As long as you work somewhere doing some job of any kind, this holiday is for you!
The first Labor Day was held and celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882. The Central Labor Union in New York City started Labor Day. In 1884, it was moved to the first Monday in September. Labor Day quickly became popular and one state after another voted for it as a holiday. On June 28, 1894, the U.S. congress voted it a national holiday.
Labor Day is also viewed as the official end of summer. Summer’s heat has already begun to wane. We have a couple of hours less sunlight than we did at the start of summer. While the Fall Equinox is still a few weeks away, kids go back to school, and summer vacations are over.
Canada, The United States, and Bermuda are the only countries to celebrate Labor Day in September. All other countries celebrate Labor Day in May.
Labor Day tradition: Union-sponsored parades are common. Many people celebrate this weekend with one last picnic. It is also the date that many people close up the pool, and put away the boats.
Today's Quote
“The end of labor is to gain leisure.” – – Aristotle
History and Origin of Labor Day
Was it McGuire or Maguire? Either Peter McGuire or Matthew Maguire is the creator of Labor Day. Peter J. McGuire, was an active labor organizer. He was also general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. He was the first to suggest a day dedicated to American workers and their accomplishments. The idea immediately became popular. Matthew Maguire however, was secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York in 1882 and many believed that he proposed the holiday in 1882.
Labor Day Traditions
One highlight of the Workingman’s holiday is a paid day off of work. And, there are many union-sponsored parades. Obviously, many people celebrate this weekend with one last picnic. It is also the date that many people close up the pool and put away the boats.
More About Today
What happened on this Day? This Day in History
Recipe of the Day: Roasted Sunflower Seeds
Plant of the Day: Miniature Pumpkins
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