Labor Day 2019

Surprising Labor Day Facts

Labor Day is one of the least recognized, forgotten-about-until-around-the-corner holidays of the year—one that we seem to appreciate only after realizing it gives us a three-day weekend. Here are some surprising facts you may not know about Labor Day!

THE FIRST LABOR DAY CELEBRATION WAS SEPTEMBER 5, 1882 IN NEW YORK CITY.

10,000 citizens marched for labor rights down the streets of Manhattan. During this time the average American worked 12 hours a day, six days a week. It wasn’t until the Adamson Act passed on September 3, 1916 that our modern eight-hour work day was established.

WHY CAN’T WE WEAR WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY?

There are three hypotheses about the origins of “no white after Labor Day.” The first theory is based on class distinction in the early 1900s. Although white clothing was an upper class luxury, after the Civil War it became harder to distinguish women coming from old money or new money. The higher class ladies then made inane fashion rules to weed out those who were “out of place.”

The second theory is a more practical approach by pointing out that Memorial Day and Labor Day bracketed the summer season, and therefore lighter, summery, white clothes were no longer needed.

The last theory has to do with popular fashion magazines who may have begun promoting fall clothing after Labor Day and the trend was picked up.

LABOR DAY CAUSES SOME OF THE LONGEST WORKING HOURS FOR RETAIL WORKERS.

Labor Day weekend is notorious for having crazy sales. But unfortunately, this means retail workers, in addition to others including correctional officers, police officials, firefighters, nurses, etc, have to work longer hours on a day specially dedicated to labor appreciation.

IT IS THE SECOND MOST DANGEROUS HOLIDAY WEEKEND TO DRIVE ON

According to CBS News, there were 308 casualties over Labor Day weekend between 2011 to 2015, following closely behind Memorial Day’s 312 casualties. These holidays represent the beginning and ending of summer, where excitement is heightened and people tend to be more reckless on the road.

LABOR DAY ALSO SYMBOLIZES OTHER ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS.

Yes, Labor Day is the “unofficial end of summer” and the end of hot dog season (Yes, you read that right). But it is also the beginning of NFL season—almost every NFL kick off game has started the weekend after Labor Day. Labor Day is the end of white pants but the beginning of black pants… and it’s also, unfortunately, the end of three day weekends until November.