Labor Day

The 1st Monday of September

This holiday is observed on the first Monday of September and is considered a holiday of the workers. Usually on this day parades are held. For most Americans, this day means the end of holiday season and for many students, the beginning of a new school year. The Labor Day has its origin in Canada, when the labor union activities were legalized by the Trade Union Act in 1872. Ten years later it was initiated in the United Stats of America and the first celebration of it was held in New York. In the year 1894, legislations were passed through and the Labor Day was accepted as a state holiday in all the fifty states.

Initially the celebration of the Labor Day was marked with parades on the street as an exhibition of the strength and solidarity of the trade and labor organizations. The workers and the general public as a whole got to be aware of the civil as well economic aspects and achievements of the workers in making the country prosperous. But there is still difference of opinion about the fact as to who first proposed the Labor Day to be marked as a holiday.

The Labor Day celebrations have been gone through many changes over the years. In America, the Labor Day also signifies the completion of the summer and the people pass the relaxing. Street parades are held by the labor organizations. Small low-key meetings have taken the place of large-scale mass demonstrations. But may important people from different sections of the society like educationist, industrialist, and government people address the meetings. Many prominent leaders also view it as an opportunity to make an impact on the masses especially on election years. The role of the work force towards the progress and development of the country is emphasized.

In America, many young people of schools and colleges seize the holiday to go on traveling before joining classes. For elders, the time is also meant to go on pleasure trips before the summer. Barbecue parties and congregations are also held in some neighborhood. For sports buffs, this is also the time of soccer and NFL.

Since Labor Day is a federal holiday, the offices, business, schools and colleges are closed. The frequency of public transport generally wanes and there is rush at the airports and railway station as people go on outings.