Just Jan

 September 5, 1882 (which happened to be the first Tuesday in September that year) is when over 10,000 workers planned an unpaid leave from work. These 10,000 individuals organized a march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City. At that time, these workers were often required to work 7 days a week. This led to improved working conditions for Americans and thus began the 40 hour work week.

In 1884, , the Knights of Labor union changed the date to every first Monday in September. Thank you noble Knights for our lovely 3 day weekend!!! Ten years later in 1894, President Grover Cleveland made the first Monday in September a national holiday to celebrate the American labor force! And here we are in 2025 probably not even thinking about the many Americans who must work on this day set aside for rest. I can’t think of a retail store or restaurant that is closed on Labor Day.

Labor Day weekend also marks the end of summer and the beginning of school for many across the nation. Most schools now give longer breaks during the school year, so in order to get in the state required days for public schools, they must began their school year in August. In the ’60’s, we only had Thursday and Friday off for Thanksgiving. Spring Break did not exist. We did get Good Friday before Easter. But our summer was longer–starting after Labor Day weekend.

Labor Day also is the beginning of fashion transition from summer to fall. This is pretty silly if you live in Texas where it might be very hot through the middle of October. The fashion industry accelerates this by filling department stores with fall clothing and changing our colors from pastels to jewel tones. But doing away with white after Labor Day was practically an unwritten law in the late 1900’s and early 20 th century. People wore white attire during the summer months because it reflected the sun and kept them somewhat cooler. This was in the days before air conditioning. It also was associated with the wealthy Americans who spent summer in the Hamptons or Newport, Rhode Island.

Somehow in the South, that translated to Southern ladies packing away their white shoes, handbags, dresses and slacks after Labor Day. It was in ‘bad taste’ to be so bold as to wear white after Labor Day. Even now, I find myself somewhat adhering to this unwritten (and outdated) law of fashion. I love my white sandals and flip flops starting in April until Labor Day. Then Labor Day comes and I move them to the top shelf in my closet. I know those old rules have long passed away but I just don’t LIKE them after that. That feeling is similar to how much I love the warmth and spirit of a Christmas tree until about December 26th or 27th. Suddenly, the magic of Christmas has passed and I am ready to pack it away.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:1–“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” I am so thankful that God created seasons for mankind to enjoy. Genesis 8:22 –“As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” Praise the Lord for His divine creation. Just when we become weary of one season, we get to embrace another.

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