Ever wonder why you're not supposed to wear white after Labor Day? Who made these rules? Labor Day has become what feels like a long goodbye to summer. We started wondering where the holiday actually came from. The most interesting facts stem back to the late 1800s. Here's what we found:
I. It's Canadian in Origin
Around 1872, Canadians began protesting 58 hour work weeks. The people of Canada decided to have a parade in the name of the protests. As a result, 24 union leaders were arrested for organizing the events.
II. America's First Labor Day was in New York City
In 1882, New Yorkers began striking working conditions. As a result, the city decided to organize a parade to calm the workers down. Today, Labor Day is seen as more of a "End-of-the-summer" event.
III. Why its on a Monday
In 1894, President Grover Cleveland decided that the first Monday of September would be Labor Day. So far, we've had 121 Labor Days.
IV. Why We Don't Wear White After Labor Day
In the late 1800s, wearing light clothes symbolized summer weather; it also symbolized an escape from urban life. Wearing darker clothes just meant summer was over.
V. No One Knows Who Actually Stared It
While it is Canadian in origin, no one really knows who started Labor Day. Some speculate that Peter McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters, organized the first few protests that sparked the whole movement. Thanks Pete!
