The True Meaning of Labor Day

For many of us, Labor Day means the end of summer vacation, a guilt-trip for anyone wearing white, and an excuse for department stores to have sales. But, it’s important to keep in mind the true history behind this holiday which is celebrated the first Monday in September.

The first Labor Day celebration took place in New York City on September 5, 1882. About 10,000 union workers marched in a parade to honor American workers, who at the time were without the labor laws we now take for granted. This early celebration was the catalyst that spread Labor Day sentiment across America.

Beginning with Oregon in 1887, a number of states adopted Labor Day as a legal holiday. Unfortunately, the holiday alone didn’t remedy the labor situation in Industrial Revolution era America. In 1894, the entire railroad system was compromised by the strike and boycott against the Pullman Palace Car Company, a railroad company guilty of alleged mistreatment of their workers.

In response to the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland ordered federal troops to take action, which escalated the violence and caused several deaths. It was in the midst of this strike that President Cleveland helped push through a bill that made Labor Day a national holiday. 

And about wearing white, especially white shoes, after Labor Day ... Despite popular belief and outdated fashion rules, wearing white clothes after Labor Day is totally acceptable. Yes, you can wear white in the fall, and any time of the year for that matter!