As we gear up for summer, we eagerly anticipate each public holiday our employers provide. Memorial Day? Check. Fourth of July? You betcha. Then we endure a wait that feels like an eternity until that first glorious Monday in September. 

Ahh, Labor Day: a prime opportunity to extend our weekend, plan holiday getaways, host family gatherings, or simply relax at home and enjoy the simple fact that you’re not working. But what is Labor Day, exactly—and why do we celebrate it? 

Join us as we unravel the history of Labor Day and explore how the holiday has changed since its inception. 

The History of Labor Day: How It Started 

The first unofficial Labor Day occurred in New York City on September 5, 1882. On this day, thousands of union members marched to Union Square, petitioning for shorter workdays and better working conditions. While this looming victory for workers across the country was worth celebrating, the holiday’s origins go back much farther. 

Decades prior, in the 1830s, employees in most manufacturing industries were working seven days a week, laboring under a monstrous 70-hour workweek. These unsustainable working conditions were exactly what union organizers focused on when trying to establish a shorter workweek and workday. They also attempted to help workers get more days, like Labor Day, off. 

Although employees succeeded in establishing a Labor Day parade in 1882, it didn’t immediately become a public holiday. It took over a decade for half of the states in the U.S. to recognize and honor the day as a holiday. Even then, it wasn’t until President Grover Cleveland signed the Labor Day bill in 1894 that it became a national holiday. 

Labor Day Celebrations: Then and Now 

At its inception, Labor Day celebrated the contributions of countless workers to the United States economy. It also recognized the achievements of the labor movement in securing higher wages and improving working conditions. 

In the years following its national adoption in 1894, workers around the United States continued to celebrate Labor Day in a formal, celebratory fashion. They hosted parades on the streets and had picnics that highlighted the exuberant strength and hard work of the local labor unions. 

As we fast forward to today, the days of political parades are largely gone. In their place are the most relaxing of leisurely activities: a trip to the beach, a barbeque with your closest friends, and simply enjoying a day off work.  

Perhaps the most significant shift in the holiday’s celebration is the modern commercialization of Labor Day. If you scroll through commercials or social media ads, you’ll likely be bombarded with endless “Major Labor Day Sales You Can’t Miss” campaigns from car dealerships, local appliance businesses, and clothing stores. 

The original meaning of Labor Day seems to have become lost in translation over the past century. Whereas society once used the day to formally celebrate slow and steady improvements in the workplace, it’s now seen as our last chance for a final summer hurrah before the start of fall, complete with holiday sales galore. 

The Changing Meaning of Labor Day 

From a sociological perspective, Labor Day reflects the evolution of our societal values. Originally, it was a time to honor labor unions’ achievements and contributions to improving workers’ rights. Today, it symbolizes the importance of incorporating rest and leisure into our lives. 

The holiday also demonstrates our changing cultural attitudes toward labor. In the past, when labor movements were strong and influential, Labor Day’s focal point was advocating for labor rights. In contrast, during more periods of a stable economic and work environment, the focus shifts to leisure and consumer consumption. 

Labor Day’s shift in meaning shows how society’s perception of work and rest has evolved over time. While the essence of celebrating workers’ contributions remains, the way we observe Labor Day today reflects modern societal changes, emphasizing personal relaxation and economic activity, like treating yourself to a new kitchen appliance in the spirit of the holiday. 

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Sources: 
 https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2023-09-01/have-we-forgotten-the-true-meaning-of-labor-day