Labor Day is a public holiday in the United States of America that honors the American labor movement. Established in the late 19th century, the holiday pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It is observed annually on the first Monday of September. Labor Day weekend also marks the unofficial end of summer for many Americans, with schools and universities typically starting their new academic year around this time.
The origins of Labor Day can be traced back to the labor union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest. The idea for a 'Labor Day' began with Peter J. McGuire, a carpenter and labor union leader, who proposed a day dedicated to workers to honor those 'who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we beheld'. It was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1894, under President Grover Cleveland.
Today, Labor Day is celebrated with various activities across the country. Parades, fireworks, picnics, and barbecues are some of the typical festive displays. It has also become an important sale weekend for many retailers in the United States, with some offering sales for a week or even longer. Aside from its importance as a celebration of American workers and their contributions, Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer and the upcoming transition into the fall season.