Labor Day: What Is It Really All About? By Marijan Pavisic with Zagreb Global Group
Labor Day, commonly referred to as the “unofficial end of summer,” is celebrated every year on the first Monday in September. For many of us, it is more than just a day. It is a weekend marking the end summer vacation, the closing of community pools, summer camp grounds, public beaches; and yes, one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. You know…, those ‘Back to School Day’ sales!
Like many holidays throughout the year, we celebrate and have a good time. We participate in the traditions for the holiday that are being celebrated in our communities. You name it! There are parades, picnics, pool parties, relaxing on the beach and yes, the ever popular barbeque!
Like everyone else, Zagreb Global Group consultants and recruiters take time to spend with our families on Labor Day weekend. For our kids, it is a long weekend break from the first few days of the school year. However we celebrate, do we really know what Labor Day is all about? Do we know why it is designated a national holiday? What is the origin of Labor Day? What about not wearing white after Labor Day? Now there is an interesting question. Know the answer?
Perhaps like many of you, Zagreb Global Group staff set aside a portion of the holiday weekend to catch up on work to be ready for our clients on Tuesday morning. Yes, we have fun too, but like many of you perhaps, far from our minds are the questions about Labor Day that I highlighted, and certainly not the answers.
Marijan Pavisic of Zagreb Global Group says, “It is often stated that our country was built by the dedication and achievements of the American workers.” Zagreb Global Group dedicates this blog to the American workforce. We salute the social and economic contributions American workers have made, and continue to make to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.
In tribute to the American workforce and to the holiday, Zagreb Global Group would like to share a bit of historical trivia to keep the genesis and the meaning of Labor Day alive and in perspective.
Here is a bit of ‘Histrivia’ about Labor Day:
- Labor Day has its origins in Toronto, Canada where the first labor parade was held in 1872, stemming from labor disputes.
- The first celebration took place in New York City in 1882 with a parade in Union Square. Why parades? Street parades were held to demonstrate strength and espirit de corps of the workers in the community.
- Oregon was the first state to declare Labor Day a state holiday in 1887 followed by Colorado, New York Massachusetts and New Jersey in the same year. By 1894, thirty states recognized the holiday.
- In 1894, President Grover Cleveland declared the first Monday in September a national day of celebration.
Now to the interesting question about when to wear white. The origin of the “no-white-after Labor Day” rule is symbolic and has nothing to do with workers. Be that as it may, there are many that follow the rule, and wear darker colors after Labor Day. In the early 20th century, white was the fashion of choice of the well-to-do, who shed their dark and drab city clothing when they migrated to warmer climates. White clothing was a pleasing contrast to the dark colors and was considered pleasure wear. Likewise, the not so well-to-do working class resorted to wearing white during summer months to stay cool. When Labor Day came around, summer was considered over and the end of wearing white until the next year. So began the trend of “no-white-after Labor Day”.
So now you know a little more than you knew about Labor Day before reading this blog. The entire staff of Zagreb Global Group wishes you a happy and safe Labor Day holiday. Have Fun!
About
Zagreb Global Group, LLC, (ZGG), a human resources consulting and staffing company located in Hackensack, N.J. Zagreb Global Group markets a full range of HR consulting and staffing services to companies ranging in size and scope from start-ups to fortune 500. We serve the needs of customers in multiple industries in a dynamically changing environment.
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