History
Labor Day is a United States Federal holiday that is observed annually on the first Monday of September, this year it will fall on Monday, September 5th, 2016. This holiday was originally created to celebrate labor associations and their strengths and contributions to the United States economy. The holiday idea was first proposed by Matthew Maguire in the 1880s, he was a machinist and was secretary of the Central Labor Union of New York in 1882. Oregon was the first state to make the it an official public holiday in 1887, it was eventually signed into law by President Grover Cleveland and has been observed every since.
Traditions
Although the original idea behind the holiday still stands true today it is recognized as a day of rest or workers and allows them to celebrate their contribution to the US Economy. As it always falls on a Monday it allows for a long weekend, known as Labor Day Weekend, which has unofficially become known as the end of summer.
Originally Labor Day was marked with a street parade throughout each city to show to the public all the hardworking trade and labor organizations of the area, this would then be followed by a festival that would allow workers and their families to relax and celebrate.
What to do for Labor Day 2016
While you can often still find a city organized parade or festival in your local town, it is no longer the popular most common tradition. For many this is the end of their summer celebrations and their last chance to celebrate with a day off before heading back to work. And often there will not be another day off until the Thanksgiving, therefore they like to take advantage of it. For students as well this is typically their last weekend before returning to school. Common celebrations today include neighborhood barbecues, firework displays, picnics or long days at the beach.
More recently however, it has become more and more popular for families to go away for the weekend, perhaps to a nearby beach town or lake where they can enjoy their favorite summer sports and water activities before the cool of winter starts to creep in. It’s a great chance to enjoy the long warm summer days before they end, enjoying.
For some their Labor Day celebrations have a very different meaning. Labor Day is also known in the United States as a great time to get end of summer sales. Many department stores will have great offers this time of year and there are many a family that enjoy taking advantage of this to stock up on back to school and back to work essentials.
My favorite is to head to the beach with close friends and family, usually a barbecue or picnic will be included as well, that way we can enjoy the summer sun for one last full day before winter starts to take over. However you prefer to celebrate we hope you have a fantastic Labor Day 2016