Why Do we Celebrate Labor Day?

In the U.S., Labor Day is an annual opportunity to celebrate American workers’ contributions to our country’s social and economic well being, and to honor the achievements of the labor union movement, most notably the establishment of the 8-hour workday, to provide more time for rest and recreation.

It’s also a federal holiday, a three-day weekend for many, and is widely considered a last chance to celebrate the summer holiday before autumn (school, sports, and the holidays) kicks into full swing. Did you know it’s only celebrated in Canada and the U.S. at this time?

In many other countries around the world, Labor Day (Labour Day) is also known as International Workers Day, and it’s celebrated May 1, or the first Monday in May, nearest to May 1. Still a few others celebrate Labor Day on a different date that is more closely linked with their country’s labor organization movement.

How Do we Celebrate Labor Day Now?

The first Labor Day in America was celebrated on a Tuesday in New York, where workers met with their families outdoors for food, a concert, and speeches. The way the founders of the holiday originally celebrated seems like a pretty amazing idea! And in fact, these are some of the most common activities for the three-day weekend.

Most Americans report that they:

• Attend Labor Day speeches and parades
• Spend time with family
• Take a Weekend Getaway
• And of course participate in IonLoop’s Labor Day Sale!

We have another great suggestion:

• Celebrate with a personalized ion + magnetic bracelet honoring a statement, color, or country flag you’re proud of.

Even if you stay put, we hope you have a chance to relax and get outside for some fresh air! You will naturally build your negative ion reserve and feel better. Remember, negative ions are the result of natural processes, including:

• Forest breezes
• Lightning
• Ocean waves
• Beach sand
• Thunderstorms
• Waterfalls

Here are 11 more cool facts about Labor Day.