The first Monday in September is often known as the unofficial end of summer as well as the start of a new school year. This year, Labor Day, a federal holiday which celebrates American workers, will fall on September 2 which means that this Saturday is the start of Labor Day Weekend and the beginning of fall.
Although Labor Day is often a holiday sorely remembered and often forgotten until you get an email about an upcoming Labor Day sale at your favorite store, it is a federal holiday which gifts Americans with a three day holiday every September.
Here are five few interesting, little known, facts about Labor Day that might make it become less of a three-day annual holiday that sneaks up on us. Even if you don’t remember Labor Day, you can always remember these tidbits of information to share with your friends throughout the year.
A Dangerous Day
Labor Day happens to be the second most dangerous holiday weekend to drive on U.S. highways. Memorial Day Weekend takes the lead with 312 casualties between 2011 and 2015 and Labor Day is a close second with over 308 casualties between 2011 and 2015. [1]
No More White
Perhaps you’ve been told before that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day. Although there’s no clear reason why this rule was implemented, there are three main hypotheses about its origin. The first, and least respected, of these hypotheses, is based on class distinction in the early 1900s. After the Civil War, higher class ladies began creating strict fashion rules to help distinguish the upper class from mere commoners. Another theory suggests that it’s not a rule; it was just pointing out the obvious that with the end of summer, there was no more need for light (white) clothing. The final hypotheses is that fashion magazines started creating “rules” for summer and fall fashion- which helped them make more money when people had to buy a new wardrobe without white clothing for fall.
Labor Day Sales
Labor Day might be about celebrating and appreciating the workforce in America, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy day to work retail in the U.S. Retail workers typically have to work longer hours on Labor Day weekend, thanks to the sales, making the break of the three day weekend not so much of a break.
Goodbye Hotdogs
If you love a good hot dog, cooked out on the grill, now is your time to enjoy it, before it’s too late. September 2 marks the end of hot dog season according to National Hot Dog & Sausage Council. [2]
May Day?
It’s easy to get Labor Day and May Day (International Workers’ Day) confused as they both have something to do with workers. However, although they share the same concept, Labor Day is celebrated in the U.S. and May Day is an international holiday.
Notes:
- ^Edgerton, Jerry. “The deadliest holiday for car accidents.” 17 May. 2017, www.cbsnews.com/news/memorial-day-driving-car-accidents. (go back ↩)
- ^“Consumption Stats | NHDSC.” 30 Aug. 2019, www.hot-dog.org/media/consumption-stats. (go back ↩)
