Labor Day: A Holiday for Workers Everywhere

Happy Labor Day weekend! This weekend, the United States and Canada commemorate the contribution of workers to society—your daily efforts, all you produce, and how you bolster the country’s economy. That likely includes you, so that means this holiday is yours to celebrate.

What is Labor Day?

Aside from the obvious fact that all hard work deserves a day off in its honor, Labor Day originated when groups of people around the country took a stand to improve their horrible working environments. The first Labor Day took place in 1882 in New York City. It was the height of the Industrial Revolution, and many Americans—including young children—were working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, just to have the basics. The hours were long, the conditions were unsafe, and the pay was low. Faced with these terrible conditions and looking to protest, 10,000 workers met at City Hall and marched the streets—the first Labor Day parade in the country’s history. In the years that followed, other states adopted the trend, celebrating the importance of workers to a successful society. Congress officially recognized the holiday in June of 1894 as the first Monday in September.

Celebrating Work with… Relaxation

For many, Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer—the last hurrah before kids go back to school, the temperatures begin to drop, and apples and pumpkins find their way into farmers’ markets. Soak up your long weekend of sunshine (fingers crossed rain isn’t on the agenda)! Pack a picnic, find a local parade, hit up the beach, or just enjoy time at home with your family and friends. And, if you’re lucky enough to have Monday off, enjoy your well-deserved break from all the hard work you do. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqmPE2HtkyU[/embed]