I noticed on the Calendar that it is Labor Day in the US.
So what does it celebrate and do you celebrate it?
Is it an excuse to have a day off or do you still have to work?
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I noticed on the Calendar that it is Labor Day in the US.
So what does it celebrate and do you celebrate it?
Is it an excuse to have a day off or do you still have to work?
It's supposed to be recognizing people's hard work, but really I think most Americans think of it as the last weekend of summer and so celebrating it usually includes BBQs and drinking.
I don't have it off, and a lot of people in retail/service jobs don't. But banks and schools are closed, and pretty much all white collar jobs have the day off.
Also sales. Most retail stores have BIG BIG LABOR DAY SAVINGS SALES which means the work of the people in those industries becomes even more laborious.
We had a great BBQ yesterday and did last minute school shopping today after completing the BBQ clean-up. That is what is means as often as not to most people.
In Ontario, unions will have parades and stuff to celebrate the labour movement. For most people, though, it's kinda the holiday to end summer. School will the back tomorrow, the summer vacation season is over, etc.
It was passed into law around the end of the 19th century as a way to appease America's (extremely powerful at the time) labor unions. It's an all-American BBQ event based on a movement as socialist as the day is long.
The idea of it being the start of the school year makes me laugh a little. I've been back for almost a month already.
Labor Day, for me, is the celebration of time-and-a-half on my check. :LOL:
Yeah, when we were in the States in August, we were struck by how many places were already back.Quote:
Originally posted by RabbitMage
Even in Canada, I think some provinces go back in the last week of August, but it's day after Labour Day here as long as I can remember, which is a ways back.
The kids go back today for us. Though they have Thursday off already as the school's close for the Jewish Holiday. Much of New Jersey went back last week though.
In Nevada college classes usually started almost a month before the holiday. I don't know about the primary and secondary schools in Nevada, but in Wisconsin at least both they and college classes start the Wednesday or Thursday before Labor Day. :???:Quote:
Originally posted by RabbitMage
I'm pretty sure every school I've ever been to has started in August. I'd see references to "September first," or "Labor Day," as the start of she school year, and I'd get really confused, then really irritated that I had to go back earlier than that.
In general the South goes back part way through August and large parts of the North go back in early September. There is no consistency throughout the States. On the other hand, kids her in Jersey are still in school until mid to late June.
I don't see how linking to wikipedia is going to assist the conversation. I'm pretty sure CIAS can wikipedia.
Which, since you provided the link, I think I'll go edit it to add in notes about the hair beautification industry with fake citations -- because I can.
For the record, as far as I'm aware Labor Day is just a day to have off and have cookouts. In Massachusetts school usually starts after Labor Day, so it's often a big shopping weekend for parents, etc . Also, because it's a long weekend, cookouts, but often on the weekend. The day off is to help you recover from your hangover!
I'm glad Clothahump provided the link, I always confuse Labor Day with May Day, and which one commemorates the Haymarket riots.
But what do I know? I'm a monkey.