Does anyone wonder (or know) why we celebrate Labor Day? Or do we all just assume it’s a free day from work and enjoy it – no questions asked? :)
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I probably learned this back in one of Mrs. Thomas’ history classes, but I’ve slept a million times since then and the knowledge has since left me. So, I went on a little search and learned the following about this holiday that most people today seem to associate with a celebration of the last weekend of Summer.
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated 130 years ago on September 5, 1882 in New York City. While there is some dispute about whose idea the holiday was, it is known that the Central Labor Union organized the event in 1882 and again in 1883 before requesting that other similar organizations join in with them in 1884.
The idea behind the holiday was to celebrate the work and accomplishments of American workers. The States were the first to declare official observations of this “workingman’s holiday,” with the Federal government signing legislation on June 28, 1894 making the first Monday in September an official Labor Day Holiday. Other countries celebrate hold similar holidays, but often observe them on May Day.
Since, in my humble opinion, it is the workers (from the lowest level employee to the highest paid executive) who make our economy work (and not our wacky government – haha!!), it seems fitting to set aside a day to celebrate our efforts and accomplishments.
So to all of you – my little working friends – Happy Labor Day! Hope you get a little extra rest and enjoy doing something for yourself today!
♥ Rachel
An interesting history of labour day!