Labor Day is a holiday that celebrates workers across the United States.
The event takes place on the first Monday in September each year and is a federal holiday, meaning many employees across the country enjoy a three-day weekend to mark the start of the month.
The day is celebrated with parades, camping trips and sometimes even one last dip in the pool or a barbecue before autumn suddenly descends upon us.
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Read on to find out more about the history of this holiday and how you can celebrate the occasion this year.
- When is Labor Day?
- What is the History of Labor Day?
- What is Labor Day?
- Is it okay to wear white after Labor Day?
- How do people celebrate Labor Day?
Labor Day is celebrated in many ways, including family picnics and weekend getaways. (iStock)
1. When is Labor Day?
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September every year.
In 2024, the holiday will be on September 2nd.
The event takes place on the first Monday of every month, making it a relaxing three-day weekend for many American workers.
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2. What is the history of Labor Day?
Labor Day began at a time when working conditions in the United States were precarious and unsafe.
According to History.com, when the holiday began in the late 1800s, the typical American worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week, to make a living.
The origins of Labor Day in the United States date back to the late 1800s. (iStock)
In response to this situation, labor unions began to organize in protest against poor working conditions and low wages.
According to History.com, America's first Labor Day parade took place in 1882, when 10,000 workers took an unpaid day off to march through New York City.
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the event was organized by the Central Labor Union.
The exact origins of Labor Day are unclear, but according to the Department of Labor, it was founded in the 1880s by either labor union leader Peter J. McGuire or Matthew Maguire.
They both attended the first Labor Day Parade in New York City.
The first Labor Day Parade was held in New York City in protest against poor working conditions and low wages. (iStock)
Although the first Labor Day parade took place in 1882, the holiday wasn't officially recognized anywhere in the United States until 1887, when Oregon passed a law making it a state holiday.
Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York followed suit and made Labor Day an official state holiday.
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However, it wasn't until 1894 that Labor Day became a federal holiday and was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland.
By law, Labor Day is set to fall on the first Monday in September.
3. What is Labor Day?
According to the Department of Labor, the purpose of the day is to celebrate American workers and their accomplishments.
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The day is one of 11 federal holidays recognized by the government.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce website, other holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Labor Day is a federal holiday when many American workers get the day off from work. (iStock)
4. Can I wear white after Labor Day?
You've probably heard the rule that you shouldn't wear white after Labor Day, but that can be hard to follow if your wardrobe is dominated by neutral colors.
This rule is outdated and dates back to the 1900s, so you can actually still wear that white sweater later in the year.
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The Emily Post Institute says on its website that the rule stems from “a time when there was a dress code for virtually every occasion.”
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the wealthy travel from cities to beach homes and mountain cabins, where they wear “lighter, whiter summer clothing,” according to the website.
The fashion rule of not wearing white after Labor Day is an old one that is no longer commonly followed. (iStock)
Even though this rule is outdated, some people still choose to follow it.
5. How do people celebrate Labor Day?
Labor Day weekend is a very popular time to travel.
If you're traveling by plane over the holidays, expect full seats, crowded airports, and possible delays and cancellations.
It is not uncommon for workers to take a short trip on Labor Day as their final summer vacation.
Barbecues are also a popular way to spend the day, and many people gather over Labor Day weekend to enjoy the last of summer partying.
Having a picnic in a local park is another popular way to spend the day off.
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This holiday also sees many parades and festivals held across the country.
Finally, it's a great time to shop, as many stores are known to have sales throughout Labor Day weekend.
Ann Schmidt contributed reporting.
