Labor Day–the unofficial end of summer. What are we honoring?
Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. (According to the DOL website.)
The history of Labor Day was long and often violent. The Labor Day holiday rose from the ashes of the brutal work conditions during the Industrial Revolution, which saw children as young as five putting in full days. Wildcat and planned strikes and protests were held for, among other things, the 8 hour rule: 8 hours for work, 8 hours for rest and 8 hours for recreation. The 8 hour work day and the weekend were introduced. In the aftermath violent protests, many states began parades and parties to honor labor. A day to honor workers was pushed by labor unions and, after several years, Labor Day was made a federal holiday in 1894.
The first American labor day celebration was in New York City in 1872. A parade of workers through the streets kicked off the day. The post-parade festivities included speeches, a picnic, an abundance of cigars, and “Lager beer kegs… mounted in every conceivable place.” In my lifetime, I have never been to a speech or parade for Labor Day and the beer is in cans in a cooler (more’s the pity–hanging kegs!).
Whatever you do on Labor Day–which has become a big retail sales day with work for many—remember the American worker, with or without a cigar. And if you can, let yourself have a break from work too.