What is Labor Day

Read Time: 5 minutes

Bobby Rae

Bobby Rae

Updated: Jul 23, 2024

worker

Labor Day, observed on the first Monday of September, is an annual celebration in the United States and several other countries. 

This special day honors the contributions and achievements of workers, while also serving as a symbol of unity and solidarity among nations. We’ll explore the history and significance of Labor Day and the traditions associated with the holiday

Set up your free account - no credit card required

Why is Labor Day celebrated in the United States?

It originated from the labor movement's fight for workers' rights in the late 19th century. During that time, American workers faced challenging working conditions, including long work hours and low wages. 

Labor unions emerged as a force to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages and the establishment of an eight-hour workday.

To recognize the significant achievements of the labor movement, Labor Day was designated as a federal holiday in 1894. It serves as a tribute to the contributions of American workers and their role in building the nation's prosperity.

Labor Day activities and traditions

Labor Day is a time for relaxation, appreciation and enjoying the company of friends and family. 

Many people take advantage of the long weekend by engaging in various activities and traditions. Here are some popular ways to celebrate Labor Day:

Labor Day Parades: Cities across the United States host colorful parades featuring floats, marching bands and representatives from labor unions. These parades showcase the spirit of unity and highlight the achievements of workers.

Picnics and barbecues: Marking the end of summer for a lot of people, Labor Day weekend often includes a variety of outdoor gatherings. Come together to savor delicious food, play games and enjoy those last few warm days before autumn.

Travel and getaways: Labor Day is a popular time for weekend getaways and trips. Many people take advantage of the extended break to explore new destinations or enjoy outdoor activities.

Sales and shopping: Labor Day is also known for its special sales and discounts. Many retailers offer promotions, making it an ideal time for bargain hunters to find great deals on various products.

Reflection and appreciation: Labor Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of workers and acknowledge the importance of their efforts in shaping society. It’s a time to express gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

Set up your free account - no credit card required

Organizing Labor Day events with Doodle

As you plan your Labor Day activities and gatherings, Doodle can be a valuable tool to simplify the scheduling process. It allows you to easily coordinate plans and find the best time to meet with friends and family.

Whether you are organizing a picnic, a barbecue or a group outing, Doodle's scheduling options make it effortless to align everyone's availability. You can create a poll, share it with your invitees and gather their responses to determine the most suitable date and time for your Labor Day event.

Doodle also offers integration possibilities with popular calendar applications, making it even more convenient to sync your Labor Day plans with your personal schedule.

While it originated in the United States, Labor Day has also been embraced by other nations, each with its own unique traditions and historical context. So, whether you're enjoying a parade, hosting a barbecue or organizing a trip, make the most of your Labor Day celebrations.

Related content

A portrait of Doodle's CISO Niel Harper

Interviews

Navigating cybersecurity: Insights and tips from Niel Harper, Doodle’s CISO

by Franchesca Tan

Read Article
woman focus work

Scheduling

The Top 5 Scheduling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

by Franchesca Tan

Read Article
men with pet dog

Scheduling

The Best Way to Schedule Pet Care into a Busy Life

by Franchesca Tan

Read Article

Solve the scheduling equation with Doodle