What is Labor Day?
Celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labor Day refers to a holiday that goes back more than a hundred years in the U.S., honoring workers all around the country. The federal holiday will take place on Monday, September 5 this year.
With the rise of trade unions and labor movements, the holiday began taking shape in 1887, when Oregon became the first state to officially celebrate Labor Day. By 1894, it officially became a federal holiday and more than 30 states had already adopted the day.
The holiday gained traction that year following the passing of numerous workers as the Pullman Strike of 1894 led to members of the U.S. military killing workers involved in the strike. The United State Congress passed Labor Day as a national holiday under the leadership of President Grover Cleveland a mere six days after the strike.
Labor Day is also known as the “unofficial end of the summer” and it is seen as the last day when it is acceptable to wear white. The summer begins with Memorial Day, which takes place in May, honoring the veterans who gave up their lives for their country.
Much like most holidays in this country, Labor Day is celebrated by many with sales around the nation that include apparel, accessories, beauty products and more. Check out some of the best sales around the nation here.
The Canadian version of the holiday is known as Labour Day and it is celebrated on the same day–on the first Monday of September.
