A Little Labor Day History Lesson
How many of you know why we have a Labor Day here in the United States?
We, as Americans seem to know the least about this specific holiday. In fact, we almost always confuse it with Memorial Day, which we honor in May.
I won’t make this “lesson” very long, but I do think that it’s important that we know why a lot of Americans don’t have to go to work that day. You do love your 3 (or 4 in our case) day weekends don’t you? We, do, too!! In fact, we often spend the time resting & with family.
Quick Facts About Labor Day
- Began in order to relieve the immigrant workers who were required to work long hours (12-16 per day, 6 days a week) in factories so that they would not lose their jobs to the thousands of others who were waiting in line for a job.
- Began 10 years after over 100,000 labor workers went on strike, demanding a decrease in in the long hours of the working day.
- Labor Unions began because of these long hours of work and unfair practices by employers.
- On September 5, 1882 the first Labor Day parade was held in New York City.
- “8 Hours of Labor, 8 Hours Recreation, 8 Hours Rest” was their slogan of choice, when lobbying for relief. Banners saying this would be marched in Labor Day parades.
- The first Monday in September was picked because it was halfway between 4th of July & Thanksgiving.
- Many other countries celebrate Labor Day on May 1st.
- Voted as a Federal Holiday in 1894
If you’d like to read more of the story, click here. There are also free Labor Day printables for use in classrooms & homeschools!
I am so very thankful for those who have gone ahead of us, paving the way to not having to work the long 16 hour days! I would be so sad if my husband had to work around the clock, only having time to sleep at home. Imagine how much he’d miss out on!
This year, Labor Day won’t be completely without the “labor” for our family, but we will definitely be spending it together! What about you?
How are you spending Labor Day?
Great reminder, Sarah. I'll be sharing this with my kids!
I don't think I knew all of that. It's always good to know why there is a holiday.
I, too, am so very thankful to the ones who have paved the way. It's hard to grumble about how bad things are when we are focused on how lucky we are.