What is Labor Day and why do we celebrate it?
Labor Day is the first Monday in September. It is a day dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It's a national holiday to continually celebrate the workers and how they have contributed to the strength, prosperity and overall well being of our country. In honor of all the hard workers out there here are nine fun facts you might not know about Labor Day.
- The first celebrated US Labor Day was on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square.
- No one knows who actually invented Labor Day. Both Peter McGuire a carpenter and Matthew McGuire a machinist have both been credited with its creation.
- Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day a holiday in 1887. It gave the state’s workers a pass not to come into work that day.
- The decision to make Labor Day the first Monday of September was approved on June 28, 1894.
- Americans worked 12-hour days, sometimes seven days a week, during the 19th century.
- Adamson Act was passed on September 3, 1916. It established an eight-hour work day
- No wearing white after Labor Day! The idea comes from when the upper class would return from their summer vacations and stow away their lightweight, white summer clothes as they returned back to school and work. Fashions have changed and you can wear white if you want.
- Labor Day is the unofficial end of hot dog season according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Americans consume around 7 billion hot dogs.
- There is still a Labor Day parade in New York City. It takes place throughout the 20 blocks north of the 1882 labor march. Now that you know these fun facts it's time to enjoy the final days of summers, relax with family and friends. From our Rocket Lawyer family to yours have a great Labor Day.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
