30 Aug 5 Things You Might Not Know About Labor Day
Most Americans view Labor Day as the official end of summer. But you probably know Labor Day holds historical significance.
The idea for a public worker’s holiday gained attention during the Industrial Revolution, when most laborers worked 12-hour days, 7 days a week! Many of these American workers joined unions to fight for better wages and working conditions.
We think the best way to honor these early champions of working men is by relaxing at the pool with friends and family. But first, enjoy some trivia about the holiday you’re enjoying. Spoiler alert: you can definitely wear white after Labor Day.
1. The first US Labor Day was celebrated Tuesday, September 5, 1882.
The Central Labor Union in New York City wanted to recognize their members, and show support for all unions. At least 20,000 people attended the parade.
10,000 workers marched from City Hall to 42nd Street, where they met with their families in Wendel’s Elm Park for a picnic, concert and speeches. Most attendees had to sacrifice a day’s pay to be there.
2. The Adamson Act was passed in 1916, establishing the 8 hour work day.
In the 19th century, children, the elderly, the poor, and recent immigrants often worked in terrible conditions. Some workers came out of factories covered in soot at the end of a long day, and with so many in line waiting for work, employers could set wages as low as they wanted.
3. Wearing white after Labor Day was considered a fashion faux pas by the aristocrats of the day.
The upper class would return from their summer vacations and stow away their lightweight, white summer clothes, and switch to grey and navy for school and work.
Think about this: black used to be reserved for funerals and denim for gold miners. Many fashion magazines and bloggers want to do away with the “no white after Labor Day” rule. We think as long as you’re not stealing a bride’s thunder on her special day, you should wear white whenever you please.
4. Labor Day is the second largest ‘sale’ day in the United States . . .
. . . the first being Black Friday, of course.
In addition to shopping, most Americans celebrate the holiday with athletic events, trips and barbecues. Back in the day, organizers worked to focus town festivals on speeches about the economic and political significance of worker achievements.
5. Labor Day signals the beginning of the football season.
The NCAA holds its first games during Labor Day weekend, and the NFL usually starts its regular season up a week later, because they have occasionally started at different times if the calendar worked out weird… and because they start in August with “pre-season.”
We hope you have a relaxing Labor Day weekend!
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