On September 2, the United States celebrates Labor Day, a holiday that many Americans also consider the symbolic end of summer, marked by parties, barbecues, street parades, and sporting events. However, the history of Labor Day is much more complex and dramatic than it might seem. This federal holiday pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers in the United States
History and significance of Labor Day
Labor Day emerged during one of the darkest periods in the history of the American labor movement. Amid of the Industrial Revolution in the U.S. during the late 1800s, the average American worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Moreover, children as young as five or six years old toiled in factories and mines nationwide for mere pennies, despite age restrictions in some states. The working conditions for the impoverished or immigrants were often unsafe, lacking proper breaks, fresh air, and sanitary facilities.
However, as agriculture began to be overtaken by manufacturing, the voices of labor unions, which had formed in the late 18th century, became louder and more prominent. They began organizing strikes to protest poor conditions and to force employers to reconsider working hours and wages.
Some of these strikes ended in tragedy, such as the Haymarket Affair in 1886, where several police officers and workers were killed in Chicago. Other actions gave rise to traditions: on September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid leave to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City. The event, organized by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, became the first Labor Day parade.
Photo: flickr.com
Who created Labor Day?
In July 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday of September a federal holiday. This occurred in the same year that federal troops brutally suppressed a strike by railroad and Pullman car workers in Chicago, resulting in the deaths of about 30 people.
Some historians believe Cleveland’s decision to declare Labor Day a federal holiday was a way to “make peace” with the working class. However, the true founder of Labor Day was not definitively established even over a century later—many credit Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, while others suggest it was Matthew Maguire, secretary of the Central Labor Union.
How Labor Day is celebrated
During the three-day weekend, Americans traditionally fill airports and highways to celebrate the end of summer with a pleasant trip. Those who stay in their city often attend parties, and community events, or have backyard barbecues.
Interestingly, some consider barbecuing the original Labor Day tradition. Historian Robert F. Moss, in his book Barbecue: The History of an American Institution, argues that as labor movements developed in the late 19th century, large gatherings became a traditional way to celebrate. In the 20th century, Labor Day barbecues became more commonly held with family and friends in the backyard.
On Labor Day weekend, Chicago hosts a parade and festival in the Pullman neighborhood, where the roots of the holiday began.
For federal employees, as well as most corporate sector workers, it’s a day off. However, many workers, especially in retail, transportation services, and the food industry, still have to work, with some even working longer hours than usual.
Why they say you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day
Fashion experts believe that this “rule,” now mostly seen as a lighthearted saying, dates back to the same late 1800s period. Before the era of air conditioning, white clothing was worn on hot days because it reflected the sun. The rest of the year, it was rather impractical. Moreover, in the early 20th century, many (especially more affluent) families would leave cities for summer vacations by the coast or lakes. Since Labor Day marks the end of summer, it meant returning to the city and swapping out white vacation or “country” clothes for something more practical.
By the 1950s, this theory had become widespread, and with the help of women’s magazines, wearing white after Labor Day was considered inappropriate. But that doesn’t mean everyone agreed. For instance, Coco Chanel wore white year-round.
