Labor Day
For most people, Labor Day conjures up thoughts of cook-outs, relaxing at the lake and enjoying the end of summer. We have compartmentalized summer as the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For many in the southern states, when the pool opens and when the pool closes for the season or around the time when school ends and begins again. Labor Day means a long weekend for many workers and a time for one last summer getaway.
Of course, Labor Day weekend also marks the commencement of the college and professional football seasons. I am willing to bet that most people would describe Labor Day in these ways. But as I began to think about the concept of Labor Day, it made me wonder—who labored and why was this holiday established anyway?
According to the United States Department of Labor, “Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” (USDOL, 2008) The website explains the founding of Labor Day and how it spread to the point all states adopted the holiday. They don’t mention enjoying hot dogs and cold beer in friends’ backyards, but the whole idea behind the establishment of the holiday is that American workers deserve to enjoy themselves for a day.
Entering my third month as a working adult, I watch as students head back to school and am reminded that I have a real job. This year it is appropriate that I appreciate Labor Day as a day of rest and celebrating a break from work. Labor Day may just be my new favorite holiday! It doesn’t involve the stress of the Christmas season, the cheesiness of Valentine’s Day, the spookiness of Halloween or the gluttony of Thanksgiving. Labor Day isn’t tied down to a strict color scheme, you aren’t expected to participate in certain activities and there aren’t presents or greeting cards involved.
I love it, Labor Day weekend is the perfect day for American workers to take some time away from e-mails, deadlines and commitments and enjoy themselves. So while you are watching football season kick-off and soaking up the sun this weekend, don’t feel guilty for being lazy but remember what the US Dept. of Labor says, “It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.”. It’s time to celebrate how ever YOU want! Have a safe, fun and relaxing holiday weekend.
And don’t forget, Monday is your last chance to wear white clothing!
