What Is Labor Day? The History Of The Federal Holiday And Why It Is Celebrated

Labor Day is a holiday to celebrate workers throughout the United States. 

The occasion always falls on the first Monday of September and is a federal holiday, meaning many employees throughout the country enjoy a three-day weekend to mark the beginning of the month. 

The day is celebrated with parades, camping trips and sometimes a last dip in the pool or cookout before fall rushes in. 

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Read more about the holiday's history and how you can mark the occasion this year. 

Labor Day takes place annually on the first Monday in September. 

In 2024, the holiday falls on Sept. 2. 

The occasion is always on the first Monday of the month, so it grants a relaxing three-day weekend for many American workers. 

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Labor Day originated at a time when working conditions in the U.S. were often precarious and unsafe. 

During the late 1800s, when this holiday came to be, the typical American worked 12-hour days, seven days a week, just to make a living, according to History.com. 

This state of affairs prompted labor unions to begin to organize in protest of poor conditions and low pay.

The country’s first Labor Day parade took place in 1882, when 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march in New York City, History.com reported. 

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The Central Labor Union organized the event, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).  

Though the exact origins of Labor Day are unclear, according to the DOL, it was created by either Peter J. McGuire or Matthew Maguire — both union leaders — in the 1880s. 

Both men attended the first Labor Day parade in New York City.

Even though the first Labor Day parade occurred in 1882, the holiday wasn’t officially recognized anywhere in the U.S. until 1887, when Oregon passed legislation to make it a state holiday. 

Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York followed suit and made Labor Day an official state holiday. 

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However, it wasn’t until 1894 that Labor Day became a federal holiday, which was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland. 

The law said Labor Day would fall on the first Monday of September. 

The purpose of the day is to celebrate American workers and all of their achievements, according to the DOL. 

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The day is one of 11 federal holidays recognized by the government.

The others are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King's birthday, Washington's birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce's website.  

You have probably heard the rule that you aren’t supposed to wear white after Labor Day, which may be difficult to follow if you have a lot of neutral colors in your wardrobe. 

You actually can wear that white sweater during the second half of the year, since the rule is an outdated one that dates back to the 1900s. 

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The rule comes from "an age where there was a dress code for practically every occasion," The Emily Post Institute says on its website. 

In the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, wealthy people would travel from the cities to seaside homes or mountain cabins, where they would wear "lighter, whiter summer outfits," according to the website. 

Even though the rule is outdated, there are people who still choose to follow it. 

Travel is extremely popular during Labor Day weekend. 

If you are flying during the holiday, expect full flights, high capacity at airports and possible delays and cancellations. 

It is not uncommon for workers to take a quick trip on Labor Day for a last summer vacation. 

Barbecues are another popular way to spend the day. Many gather together for a last summer party during Labor Day weekend. 

Having a pinic at a local park is also a popular way to spend the day off. 

There are also many parades and festivals across the country for the holiday. 

Lastly, many stores are known to hold sales throughout Labor Day weekend, so it is a favored time for shopping. 

Ann Schmidt contributed reporting.