Labor Day and It's Modern Meanings

Labor Day is an American holiday that has been recognized on the first Monday in September since 1882. When Labor day was first established, it was considered a day off for the working man and did not become an official holiday until 1894. Back in those days, many men were working 12 hour days, 7 days a week, and were fighting for a better quality of life than the many hard hours of labor they were putting in each day. The holiday first began when a large group of workers took an unpaid holiday and marched from City Hall to Union Square in New York City to represent and celebrate their efforts in the labor unions across America. And while many of us still acknowledge Labor Day for it's purpose, the way we celebrate and how we recognize this holiday has changed drastically since it's origination.

When Labor Day began in 1882, it was customary to participate in parades, and other various celebrations through out the country that symbolized the American working class, and how their labor efforts had strengthened trade and labor organizations across the country and around the world. Today however, Labor Day has taken on many new meanings. For most, Labor day is still a traditional day of rest from our place of work. But there are so many other meanings that Labor Day represents, and for each of us, some are more important than others.

For some, Labor Day is the last 3 day weekend for the summer camping season. It's the last traditional holiday that we kick off our work shoes, pitch a tent, spark up the bar-b-que and cook up a feast. It may be the last time each year that we put our boats in the water, or pile up the family and visit a national park. It may also be the last time each year that we gather with friends, and soak up that day of rest with nothing else than food family and fun.

For others, Labor Day represents the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. Back to school shopping has been done, and for some it may be the first of many school years, or the last of many. The anticipation of that first day of school is always on our minds around Labor Day. What to wear, where to meet our friends, and what classes we may enjoy or dread more than others. Perhaps you are starting a new school this year, or going off to college. For some, this is the biggest thing on their minds around Labor Day.

And finally, Labor Day can represent the transition from summer to fall. Summer is almost over, football season is getting ready to start, and people may be trading their summer wardrobes for an extra layer of warmth around this time of year. The air is a little cooler than the hot month of August, and while it's still beautiful outside, we may already be seeing a change in the leaves around some parts of the country. Getting our yards ready for winter, and gearing up for the upcoming holidays can all be fresh reminders that Labor Day brings.

While each of us has our own traditional way of celebrating Labor Day, it is important that we remember how it all got started. Labor Day was designed to recognize and reward us with a day of rest for our achievements in the labor forces of America. We all work hard at making a living in this world, and while the system itself may never be perfect, it's good to know that those before us stood up and asked for fair treatment in the labor industry. We all have a voice, and the power of using it speaks volumes. So, go out and enjoy yourself this Labor Day, and thank those before you for providing us this national day of rest.