Labor Day celebrates the contributions of workers in the United States. It is also celebrated in Canada on the same day.
Steps
1. Labor Day.
Labor Day is a floating holiday. It occurs on the first Monday in September. Not only are government offices closed, many businesses are as well. Find out more about this holiday.
2. A bit of history.
This national holiday started in 1894. At first labor unions celebrated the holiday. The first parade was in New York City. The date was chosen because it fell approximately half way between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. President Grover Cleveland signed the law to make it a national holiday. Find out more about the history of Labor Day.
3. Celebrate labor elsewhere.
In other countries, May Day celebrates workers and labor unions. Originally May 1 was a celebration of spring. Find out more about how other countries celebrate their workers.
4. Labor unions.
Today, labor unions are frequently under attack. Like everything else, it depends on the individuals running a union on how effective it is. Learn about the circumstances surrounding the need for unions and the history behind them.
5. Is labor changing?
As computers take over more tasks, ask yourself if the face of “labor” is changing. When I think of labor, I immediately think of the automotive industry or farmers doing physical labor. As the Internet changes how we work, how does this affect how future generations will view this holiday?
6. Occupations.
Schools use the holiday to help kids explore various occupations or careers. In addition, themes of starting a business, unions, labor strikes and more can be included. Do your local schools do something special for this holiday? How might you help explore this holiday with others?
7. The end and beginning.
Labor Day signifies the end and beginning of many things. Look through the list below:
- End of summer
- End of outdoor swimming
- Beginning of football season
- School starts
- Start of holiday shopping
Does Labor Day signify a beginning or end of something for you?
8. Shopping.
Many retain businesses utilize the weekend before Labor Day as well as holiday itself to entice customers. Of course, that means retail workers don’t get the day off. Watch the time around the holiday to see how it impacts you.
9. Check local happenings.
Many areas have special events that you can participate in over the long weekend. Check out your local activities for the holiday. You might find a parade, speech, bike ride, marathon, picnic, parties and more. Pick one or more to participate in.
10. Your own activities.
Do you have a tradition for celebrating Labor Day? Where I work, we not only have the holiday off, but the last working day before, we have half a day off where the entire company gets together for a picnic and fun activities. You might have activities with fellow workers, family or friends. If you don’t have any traditions, start some.
Sites to Explore
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_history_of_the_United_States
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_unions_in_the_United_States
- people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/question459.htm
- lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/holiday-crafts/labor-day-activities.htm
- www.huffingtonpost.ca/carole-kanchier/labour-day_b_1846701.html
- www.dol.gov/laborday/history.htm
- www.lutins.org/labor.html
- inthecapital.streetwise.co/2013/09/02/why-we-celebrate-labor-day
- www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/laborday
- www.educationworld.com/holidays/archives/laborday.shtml
- www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/september/laborday.html
To download a PDF of this badge program, click here: EP_Labor Day
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