7 Important Facts About Labor Day You Should Know Before You Celebrate

Ladies and gentlemen, Labor Day is upon us, which means summer is sadly coming to an end. For those of you out there who are autumn people, you’re probably all rejoicing happily! The upcoming holiday hits Monday, September 3rd this year and there’s a lot of surprising history behind the day.

Not even just history, but fun facts pertaining to the theory of wearing white after Labor Day and being the end of ‘hot dog season’. You’ll definitely find yourself thinking about all the possibilities of Labor Day and what it stands for. Here are 7 surprising Labor Day facts!

1. “May Day”

Labor Day is often confused with May Day, which pretty much holds the same meaning that Labor Day does. Labor Day is a day to honor the working people in America, while May Day is an international holiday in other countries that honors the working people on May 1st.

2. The first celebration

The first ever Labor Day celebration took place on September 3rd, 1882 in New York City. On that day, 10,000 citizens marched for labor rights down the Manhattan streets. At the time, most Americans were working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. The Adamson Act passed on September 3rd, 1916 that established what we now know as the 8-hour work day.

3. “No white after Labor Day”

There’s been a heavily debated theory going on for years that you’re not allowed to wear white after Labor Day. The idea was picked up when most fashion magazines began promoting fall clothes that did not contain any white clothing in them. It’s basically just a silly fashion rumor, so if you’re brave enough to wear white after Labor Day, live it up!

4. Labor Day and retail

Labor Day is, ironically, one of the busiest days of the year for retail workers. Most retail stores are open for business on holidays, meaning their workers will be there, too. There’s always tons of Labor Day weekend sales going on, too. Despite a day literally made for the appreciation of labor, many other professions are required to work on Labor Day like firefighters, police officers, and nurses.

5. The end of hotdog season

Apparently this is actually a thing, according to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council website. Maybe not an official thing, but maybe in sales?

6. Endings and new beginnings

Labor Day pretty much marks the unofficial end of summer (and obviously the end of hotdog season and being able to wear white). But it also marks the beginning of NFL season for football fans out there and the beginning of black pants and flannel! Wardrobe changes are calling your name.

7. Labor Day and crazy drivers

Labor Day is the second most dangerous holiday weekend to be driving on the highway. From all Labor Day weekends from 2011 to 2015, there were a total of 308 casualties, CBS reports. This is presumed to be a dangerous weekend to be on the roads because people are partying and drinking, which leads to reckless driving.

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