What is Labor Day even? 5 Facts to Know

Labor Day weekend is almost upon us. And since our team seems to labor seven days a week we find ourselves asking...What IS Labor Day even? This year, we did a little digging into the history of Labor Day to bring you 5 “need to know facts” for anyone else wondering the same.

Image from Experience First

1. To start, it’s origin is a bit of a mystery: On June 28, 1894, Labor Day was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland. However, to this day, the true founder is still up for debate. Many credit Peter J McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, while others believe Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union, was the first to propose the holiday.

Feeling more confused than before? Us too. Let’s continue...

Image from All That’s Interesting

2. Not only is the history of Labor Day mysterious, it’s also a bit dark. Now typically, we prefer to keep things light here at The Eastside Co., but in the spirit of history and education, bear with us. 

It started with riots: In the late 1800s (the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States), the average American worked 12 hour days, 7 days a week. This included people of all ages, in unsafe working conditions. Not so surprisingly, labor unions organized strikes and rallies in protest. Many of these turned violent, including the infamous Haymarket Riot of 1886. 

Getting a little heavy amidst all the 2020 madness, huh? Let’s get to the more celebratory part...

Image from In the Past Lane

3. Then there were parades: The first Labor Day parade in U.S. history was actually more of a protest. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from city hall to union square in New York City. We know, not exactly a celebration but a step in the right direction. And if you ask us, an admirable stance for the greater good that we all benefit from now. 

Of course, today’s parades are less standing up for the greater good and more candy, costumes, and impeding traffic. 

Image from Social Report

4. It symbolizes the end of summer: Labor Day is known as the unofficial end of summer because it marks the end of the cultural summer season –  hence all the BBQs, parades, picnics and other celebrations throughout the weekend. However, the “official” end of summer occurs at the moment of September Equinox, between September 21 - 24 each year.

Yes, 2 extra weeks of summer for everyone, in case you didn’t know.

Image from Leann Conway

5. What’s the deal with the “don’t wear white after labor day” rule? Let’s start with where this little “rule” even came from. Rumor has it, white was cooler (temperature-wise) to wear during those summer days before air conditioning was a thing. Rumor also has it, the uber-rich wore white back-in-the-day when they embarked on summer vacation. Whether you believe it was practical or prestigious, the latest rumor is that it doesn’t even matter...wear white all year ‘round!  And don’t feel bad if your white is in the form of sweatpants.