{"id":291,"date":"2015-09-04T11:29:20","date_gmt":"2015-09-04T15:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/dcc\/?p=291"},"modified":"2024-09-10T09:43:36","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T13:43:36","slug":"what-is-labor-day-anyway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/dcc\/what-is-labor-day-anyway\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Labor Day Anyway?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Labor Day Weekend is a new holiday for many au pairs. Here is a brief history of this American holiday, along with some ideas of ways to celebrate with your host children.<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Graphics:

Graphics: JW Illustrations \u00a9 JESSICAWEIBLE.COM<\/p><\/div>\n

The Workman\u2019s Holiday ~ <\/strong>Dedicated in honor of the worker, Labor Day is also known as the “workingman’s holiday”. The holiday is dedicated to all workers in the United States in respect and appreciation for the work they do in or outside of the home, union or non-union, big companies and small companies and au pairs too. As long as you work somewhere at something, this holiday is for you! It is a day to celebrate your contribution to American working life and the work you<\/em> do.<\/p>\n

The First Labor Day ~ <\/strong>The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882 and was started by the Central Labor Union in New York City. In 1884, it was moved to the first Monday in September where it is celebrated today. Labor Day quickly became popular and one state after another voted it as a holiday. On June 28, 1894, the U.S. congress voted it a national holiday.<\/p>\n

The End of Summer ~ <\/strong>Labor Day is also viewed as the official end of summer. While the Fall Equinox is still a couple of weeks away, kids go back to school and summer vacations are over. This day is celebrated with a long weekend off from work and union sponsored parades. Many people celebrate this weekend with one last picnic. It is also the date that many people close up the swimming pool, and put away the boats.<\/p>\n

Was it McGuire or Maguire?<\/strong> Either Peter McGuire or Matthew Maguire is the Creator of Labor Day. Peter J. McGuire, was an active labor organizer. He was also general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. He was believed to be the first to suggest a day be dedicated to American workers and their accomplishments. Matthew Maguire however, was secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York in 1882 and many believed that he proposed the holiday in 1882.<\/p>\n

So What do Americans eat on Labor Day? <\/strong>Picnics and barbecues are popular ways \u00a0to celebrate Labor Day. \u00a0Old standards are hamburgers, corn dogs, coleslaw, potato salad \u00a0corn on the cob, baked beans and sliced tomatoes. Finish up with sliced watermelon, apple or blueberry \u00a0pie and freshly churned ice cream.\u00a0 Sound good?\u00a0 Want to try a recipe?<\/p>\n