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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Brittney Donovan

FORGOTTEN HISTORY: When is labor day 2026 and why do we celebrate it - The Untold Story

  • Labor Day is an annual public holiday in the United States observed on the first Monday in September to honor the American labor movement and recognize the historical contributions of workers to society.
  • The holiday originated in 1882 with a union parade in New York City, which inspired other states to adopt the occasion until President Grover Cleveland declared it a official national holiday in 1894.
  • While historically established to celebrate workers' rights, Labor Day has traditionally been perceived by many Americans as marking the unofficial end of the summer season.
  • In modern times, the holiday weekend has evolved into a significant retail event, serving as one of the largest shopping and sales weekends of the year in the U.S., second only to Black Friday.
  • A societal rule against wearing white clothing after Labor Day dates back to Victorian-era fashion etiquette, though the tradition has largely died out among most modern Americans.

IN FULL

What is Labor Day and why do we celebrate it?

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