Monday the 7th is Labor Day in America and many of us will be honoring this tradition in our own way.
Traditionally celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labor Day is an American tradition, but how will you celebrate it this year? Check out the content below to learn about the history of this holiday and get some ideas on how you should observe it this weekend.
What is the Origin of Labor Day?
The Labor Day tradition began in New York on September 5, 1882 as members of the Central Labor Union of New York City wanted to observe a day for working citizens with a parade and a day free of work. This notion was inspired by Labour Day, a similar holiday observed in Canada in early May. However, the reason we currently celebrate Labor Day in September is due to the Chicago’s Haymarket Riot of 1886 which took place in May. This organized strike, which resulted in a violent riot, sought to make working conditions better for the people of the city. In an effort to curb the frustrations of the working class who organized this strike, President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a federally-recognized holiday in 1886 to be observed in September to avoid potential recreations of the riot.
How is Labor Day celebrated?
Despite its tumultuous conception, today Labor Day in America honors the working class in a more peaceful manner. Typically towns will hold parades and similar events to pay tribute to the hard-working citizens of America. Unofficially dubbed the end of summer, this holiday is often celebrated by friends and families with barbecues in the great outdoors and of course, by a day free from work.
Labor Day in Bozeman, MT
There are many ways to honor this day if you’re going to be in Big Sky Country and each one is more special than the last. For one, it would be a great day to hit the river or go camping as it should be sunny and warm this Monday. Another great idea would be to take advantage of the many lucrative Labor Day sales at one of the several sporting goods and department stores in town. However, since most people have the day off of work, it is a stellar idea to do nothing at all.
Consider the history of Labor Day no matter how you chose to celebrate this special day and remember the working class for all the hard work they do each and every day.
Happy Labor Day from all of us at TRG!
