The True Meaning Behind Labor Day
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September in the US and Canada and in many other countries on May first. It is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of all American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions that workers have made to the prosperity, strength, and well-being of our country.
Did you know…Labor Day was created in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894? Well, it was and not only that Labor Day came about because workers felt they were spending too many hours and days on the job.
Labor Day and Memorial Day are two patriotic holidays that have grown out of the activities of the American people. By 1984, the union had selected the first Monday in September as the official holiday and were urging unions in other cities to celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date.
In the early 1830s manufacturing workers were putting in 70 hours a week on the average. Fast-forward, sixty years later to 1890 the hours put in had dropped, but still high at a 60 hour average per week. These long hours caused concern for many of the union organizers to focus on changing to a shorter eight-hour-work-day. The focus was also on getting the workers more time off, such as the Labor Day holiday and reducing the workweek from a six-day workweek to five days, and only an eight hour day.
Shortening the workweek was one way of turning the working class into the consuming class. It became a national holiday in June 1894 when President Grover Cleveland signed the Labor Day bill into law.
The Unofficial End Of Summer
It’s hard to believe that school is underway and August already in our rearview mirror. So, what’s next? Well, its the last “unofficial” three-day weekend of summer. It’s when the community pools will all close for a long “winter’s nap” and white clothing items are packed away….and holiday shopping will begin!
The Last Summer “Shin-Dig” Is Underway.
The best of times for family and friends is to get together and grill up all kinds of goodies! Let’s get this party started with lots of food, fun and a huge number of outdoor activities, that may include swimming and sports. Labor Day weekend is the best time to take in a movie, go fishing, check out a baseball game or maybe even go on a short road trip. You can even just kick-back, relax and do absolutely nothing….the choice is yours because the list of activities is endless!
Soak up some sun and take a dip in the pool!
Ditch The White
Except for your white tennis shoes….pack away all of your white slacks, jeans, shoes, sandals and for the women, change out your light-colored purses and handbags. It’s time to start thinking about everything fall, and all the great things that go along with it.
I know what your thinking….it’s still in the 90s practically everywhere. I hear you! I’m over here deep in the heart of Texas and our thermometer seems to be stuck between 90-100, with no end in sight! But is will and you need to be “fashion-ready!”
Labor Day Sales!!
Labor Day Weekend….. the unofficial start of the holiday shopping weekend. This is one of the best times to start knocking out that Christmas list early. The bargains are great because most of the stores are trying to get rid of their spring and summer inventory and the discounts are great too, not to mention buying online as well. Everyone is competing with everyone with some of the best sales that they have to offer.
Labor Day shopping is a preview to the infamous, Black Friday sales. The best part about it is that you’re not running around like a crazy person at the crack of dawn like most people do on Black Friday. You’re actually able to take your time…because remember the more you are able to cross off of that Christmas gift list, the less stress you’ll be under once Black Friday actually does arrive.
A Day Off… Well Deserved
For me, the best part of the Labor Day holiday is knowing that my favorite holiday…Thanksgiving is almost within reach. But so much more than that…Labor Day is a well deserved holiday for all hardworking individuals. It’s the perfect time to spend with family and friends… for barbeque cookouts or even swimming at the beach. But its also a time to relax and unwind….recharge your mind, body, and soul.
From my family to yours….have a safe and relaxing Labor Day.
–xo Brenda
It’s nice to know the history of labor day and the summer shopping spree! Thanks for the tips you shared here Brenda.
You’re so welcome, April. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂