Labor Day
A “take it easy” day
It’s Labor Day! Let’s have a picnic! Let’s go to a ball game! Or, let’s
just take it easy!
In the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, Labor Day is a national
holiday. It is celebrated on the first Monday in September. Because of
this, Labor Day has become a symbol of the end of the summer.
The idea for Labor Day probably came from a carpenter named Peter
McGuire. At a labor un »n meeting McGuire suggested that a special day
be set aside to honor working people. This new holiday was first
observed in New York City on September 5, 1882.
Many countries celebrate a special day for working people. In New
Zealand, this day is called Labour Day. It is celebrated on the fourth
Monday in October. In Australia, the date of Labour Day, also called
Eight-Hour Day, varies from state to state. And in Europe, many
countries celebrate Labor Day on May 1 (see pages 166-167).
Labor Day is often a time for parades, picnics, and special events. But
many working people like to use their special day as a time for “taking
it easy.”
