Yes, we know it’s become the last celebration of summer, the signal to put away the white shoes and pants, and for some, time to go back to school. But how did it begin? What is it really celebrating?
While the founder of Labor Day is disputed, it can definitely trace its roots back to the Labor Movement of the late 1800s. It was intended to spotlight the American worker, the backbone of the prosperous American way of life. The original proposal included a parade followed by a festival for workers and their families. Oregon was the first state to pass a law observing the day in 1887. It became a federal holiday in 1894.
I found something kinda funny while I was researching this: 24% of American workers are in the retail industry, and retail sales on Labor Day weekend are second only to Black Friday – meaning a quarter of American workers work harder this weekend than 50 other weekends of the year! If you add in all the food, travel, and entertainment industry workers who don’t have the weekend off, those of us who are enjoying the 3-day weekend will be in the minority.
So while you’re saying goodbye to summer and your white shoes, say “thanks” to everyone who’s working this weekend!
