What is Labor Day? A family-friendly guide

Labor Day is like a big "thank you" card to everyone who works hard. It's a special day we celebrate every first Monday of September, marking the end of summer and giving a nod to all the hard-working folks out there. But there’s an important American history lesson behind the holiday. Find out why we celebrate Labor Day.

The story behind Labor Day

Be a financially smart family!

Be a financially smart family!

From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is a significant event that pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. Its roots can be traced back to the late 19th century during the peak of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. During this time, workers, including children as young as five or six, worked long hours in often dangerous conditions to make a basic living. In response to these harsh conditions, labor unions began to form and grow more vocal, organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

How Labor Day became a holiday

The inception of Labor Day as a holiday came about following a series of violent strikes and rallies, one of the most notable being the Haymarket Riot of 1886. The first Labor Day parade took place on September 5, 1882, when 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City. This idea of a “workingmen’s holiday” began to spread to other industrial centers across the country, and many states passed legislation recognizing it. However, it wasn't until 12 years later, following the Pullman Palace Car Company strike in 1894, that Congress legalized the holiday in an attempt to repair ties with American workers.

Celebrating Labor Day today

Today, Labor Day is more than just a celebration of workers; it also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans. The holiday is typically marked with parties, street parades, athletic events, and is often seen as the start of the back-to-school season. The true founder of Labor Day remains unknown, with some crediting Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, while others suggest that it was Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union. Regardless of its origins, Labor Day continues to be a significant holiday in the United States, honoring the hard work and achievements of American workers.

Fun Labor Day activities for families

1. Picnic time: Pack some sandwiches, fruit, and your favorite snacks and head to the local park or your backyard for a family picnic.

2. Explore and learn: Take a mini adventure to a nearby town or historical site and learn something new together.

3. Backyard BBQ: Fire up the grill and have a tasty barbecue with loved ones, celebrating the spirit of togetherness.

4. Parade fun: If your town has a Labor Day parade, check it out! You'll see floats, music, and maybe even some candy being tossed around.

5. Crafts and creativity: Get artsy and create something as a family. Maybe a collage about what work means to you or drawings of jobs people do.

6. Chill and chat: Sometimes, just being together is the best. Relax at home, play games, and chat about what makes you feel happy and appreciated.

Learning together

While enjoying Labor Day, it's a perfect time to chat about the importance of fairness, respect, and standing up for what's right. You can talk about how even small actions can lead to big changes and why it's important to work together as a team.

Why Labor Day matters

Labor Day is more than just a break; it's a reminder that working together and supporting each other can create a better world. Ultimately, it’s about fairness – the hard work that’s gone into (and still continues) making labor practices in our country fair. It's also a day to appreciate all the hard work that people do, from teachers and firefighters to doctors and construction workers.

So, this Labor Day, let's give a big "thank you" to everyone who works hard and remember to show kindness and respect to one another. Happy Labor Day, everyone! Let's make it a day filled with love, laughter, and learning!