Labor Day is an American federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. source
See the quote on the vintage American Labor Day stamp? That quote, "Labor is Life," was by Thomas Carlyle. Another of his famous quotes is:
"Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment." -Thomas Carlyle
I like that one. So very true. 😀
Labor Day is a three-day weekend that most Americans celebrate as the "end of summer" with cookouts, get-togethers and one last big weekend of swimming & boating. It originated from the labor union movement - and more specifically the eight-hour day movement which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Prior to that labor conditions were harsh, some workers pulling 12-16 hours a day, six days a week. (Um, been there. LOL.) I love looking up the history of holidays, and digging into their origins. And history in general, for that matter. I had a major head trauma when I was 20 years old that caused Regressive Memory Loss, so I've had to learn History all over again as an adult.
I really enjoyed sitting down and reading up on Labor Day, the history behind it, and how & when (and why!) it's celebrated in other countries.
The internet is a lovely thing with it's endless interlinking from one fact to another and the seamless flow of historical information. 🙂
As I was enjoying my research with a cup of coffee on this rainy "end of summer" morning, I came across two more quotes by T.C. that I wanted to share with you:
"Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand." -Thomas Carlyle
"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." -Thomas Carlyle
Both worth reading again, and pondering for just a moment...
I feel a deep sense of gratitude this morning, for living in a time and space in history that allows me the opportunity to build a business... and create my own lifestyle.
While I've worked hard, and yes - even pulled 12-16 hour days for weeks straight - it was my choice. And it was an investment in my dream. I feel very fortunate indeed.
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I hope you've had a fabulous weekend, and for those of you in the United States... Happy Labor Day! May it be filled with family, friends, hot dogs, laughing children and chubby puppies. 😀 *cheers*
Best,
p.s. How do you celebrate Labor Day? Leave a comment below and share!
About Lynn Terry
Any celebration in that case is a way of bringing people come together in order to reunite and out of their busy schedules and enjoy with their family and friends. I want to wish everyone in Ameria a very happy labor's day and may you enjoy it to its core and intense fun.
Great quotes, Lynn. Normally my husband and I would be hosting or attending a cookout for Labor Day. But Indianapolis is getting the end of tropical storm Isaac today, so it's too soggy for that (not complaining ... I am thrilled to finally have rain).
So while he watches an old movie or two and listens to the Detroit Tigers game, I plan to do more planning for my new website and read. It will be a happy, lazy day.
Enjoy your holiday!
Shawn
We celebrate Labour Day in Canada too. So happy Labor or Labour Day to all!
We had a fun, albeit soggy pool party/picnic yesterday with many friends and family. I thought it funny that while they swam little and mostly ate in the house that they said it was the best pool party yet!? They loved just being able to sit and talk, catch up, talk politics and business. They all agreed that those among us that own their own had truly built it themselves and on Labor Day weekend were celebrating that more than usual this year!
Happy labors to you this holiday Lynn! You truly exemplify those work ethics as well as successes!
Hope it was a enjoyable day/weekend/3day day for not "laboring". For that matter what ever happened to the 8 hour work Day, A living wage, health benefits, and so on. Gets off soap box and fades into the crowd
Good to learn a bit about the US holiday for those of us from across the pond! I am also grateful that I am working by choice towards my own dream!
Had a great time during the labor day.. Took enough rest.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Labor Day is to host or attend a cookout. Plan to cook burgers and hot dogs on the grill and serve picnic favorites like coleslaw, potato salad and corn on the cob.