If you’re a working-age American, then there’s a good chance you’re looking forward to a long weekend, courtesy of Labor Day. But how much do you actually know about the national holiday?
Observed on the first Monday of every September, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the summer season and, for many, the beginning of the school year. Yet it’s relatively easy to forget that Labor Day is actually a celebration of, well, you and every other American who holds and has held a job.
Labor Day was created to celebrate the economic and social accomplishments of American workers. It’s difficult to exaggerate how significant this impact has been, particularly since the beginning of the 20th century. U.S. worker productivity has skyrocketed since then, as have the number of American businesses and entrepreneurs.
Though it’s now a federal holiday, Labor Day quickly drew traction after its inaugural celebration, which was held in New York City on September 5th, 1882. Many states quickly followed suit, as New York soon introduced legislation aimed at formalizing the holiday; in 1887, Oregon became the first state to officially pass such a law, according to the Department of Labor.
There are, of course, a lot more American workers today than there were then. The labor participation rate currently stands at roughly 63 percent, with the U.S. civilian labor force comprising some 157 million Americans, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This year marks 122 years since the federal government officially designated the first Monday of September as Labor Day. For anyone fortunate enough to have the day off, take a moment to pat yourself on the back in between all the barbecues you’ll likely be attending. Labor Day is, after all, meant as a celebration of workers like you. Consider it the professional equivalent of your birthday.