10 Things you Probably didn’t Know “Labor day”

As the manufacturing industry bloomed in the 1800s in America, the laborers felt threatened. Their jobs were at stake. Thus on 5th September 1882, 10,000 Americans marched towards the union square to mark their protest. Labor Day is celebrated on 1st May in many countries while for America, Canada and Australia it’s different. Let us have a look at some of the facts about Labor Day that you were probably unaware of.

10. The idea originated from Canada:

Though the founder of labor day is ambiguous but t is believed that Peter J McGuire who was the cofounder of the American Federation of Union Labor was the man behind suggesting a public holiday for Laborers while on his visit to Canada.

9. It was a fire which started it all:

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136 people died in a fire that gulped down the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in 1911. The deceased were mainly European immigrants. Such tragic event raised awareness of the rights and poor condition of laborers thus giving rise to a labor movement.

8. Initially it was a Tuesday:

The Labor Day was initially celebrated on Tuesdays but later on as we see in America today it is celebrated on first Monday of Septembers thereby giving a long weekend to the Americans.

7. Oregon declared it first:

Oregon is said to be the state which officially declared Labor Day as a holiday on 21st February 1887. New York, Colorado, Massachusetts and New Jersey followed. Thus the tradition started from West to East.

6. A bye bye to summers:

Labor Day also marks an end to the summers in America. And probably an end to the hotdogs season too. Americans eat about 818 hotdogs each second (Time Specials).

5. It offers more than just a holiday:

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Parades are exhibited on the streets for public. They followed up by festivals for amusement and recreation of the laborer’s families.

4. Nothing white after the Day:


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According to a post in Christian Science Monitor, you’re not supposed to wear white clothes after the Labor Day and the reason is unknown .

3. Also a May Day for many:

In many countries Labor Day is called a May Day. It is celebrated on 1st of May. On 1st May of year 1886 labor unions which included socialists and anarchists went on strike to demand a work day of not more than eight hours.

2. Who are the laborers?

The laborers mainly are from various professions like hair dressers, bakers, teachers, taxi drivers, cooks and chefs etc.

1. The food:

The most famous foods on Labor Day include burgers, hotdogs, steaks and chicken. Side by side goes grill and corn, vegetables and potatoes.

(By toptensthings.com)