Labor Day Facts And History 2014: Why You're Off On Monday

Happy Labor Day! While most people know Labor Day means a day off from work, what else? Sure, there are definitely some great barbecues and picnics to attend, but the unofficial end to summer has a deep history. For people who want some fun trivia about the holiday to share with friends and family while enjoying the sun and flipping some burgers, a list of trivia has been provided below.

--Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September

--But the first two Labor Days were celebrated on Tuesdays

--Even though Labor Day is considered the unofficial end to summer, the autumnal equinox does not begin until Sept. 21

--Worker unions chose the first Monday in September because it meant time off between Independence Day and Thanksgiving

--After it was first celebrated in New York City, it was not made a federal holiday until 1894

--European countries and China celebrate May Day to honor their workers

--It’s unknown why the “don’t wear white after Labor Day” faux pas started, but there is no need to worry about that these day. The modern fashionista is permitted to wear white and bright colors whenever she or he pleases

--The first official NFL Kickoff game is always played on the Thursday after Labor Day (Go Seahawks!)

--The eight-hour work day became official in 1916 after the Adamson Act

--Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago all have their own versions of Labor Day

Here are some quick statistics:

--More than 13 million Americans work from home

--Nearly 10.3 million Americans are self-employed

--More than 115 million people in the U.S. celebrate Labor Day

--76.6 percent of Americans drove to work in 2010, and the average commute was 24.3 minutes

Sources: How Stuff Works, SheKnows.com, Chiff.com and PurpleTrail.com:

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