What Is Labor Day? A 2025 Guide to the Long Weekend That Started It All

We know it as the unofficial end of summer — full of BBQs, beach days and a final splash in the pool. But what is Labor Day really about? Celebrated on the first Monday in September, Labor Day may look like a long weekend, but there’s a deeper meaning behind it.

This guide explores why Labor Day is celebrated, how it became a federal holiday and what traditions still carry on today. We’ll also answer some quick FAQs, like when Labor Day weekend falls, how it differs from Memorial Day, and what other federal holidays are nearby. So, when you’re planning your BBQ sides and cookout menu this year, it's worth pausing to remember the people this holiday honors.

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• What Is Labor Day and Why Do We Celebrate It?
• Labor Day Traditions and Customs
• Labor Day vs Other Federal Holidays
• How To Explain Labor Day to Kids
• What is Labor Day and Other FAQs

What Is Labor Day and Why Do We Celebrate It?

So, what is Labor Day? In short, it celebrates the role they’ve played in building the nation’s economy. It’s a moment to honor the people behind the scenes, the ones who power daily life, keep industries moving and help the country grow.

The first Labor Day wasn’t a three-day weekend, though. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it started with a march on September 5, 1882, when more than 10,000 New York workers went on strike to protest low wages, dangerous conditions and exhausting hours. Back then, a 70-hour workweek with no days off was common. The demonstration was organized by the Central Labor Union and became the foundation for what would eventually become a national holiday.

By 1894, the movement had grown, and President Grover Cleveland signed a bill making Labor Day a federal holiday. That same year, Canada did the same. Politicians and business leaders realized that giving workers more free time was more than just humane; it also gave workers more time to spend the money they made, which gave the economy a boost.

While Labor Day is a uniquely American holiday, many countries celebrate a similar occasion on May 1, often called International Workers’ Day or May Day. Though the dates differ, the focus remains the same: honoring workers, unions and the labor movements that shaped fair workplace standards around the world.

Today, Labor Day is still about kicking back and firing up the grill, but it’s also a reminder. The shorter workweeks, paid time off and workplace protections we have now didn’t happen by accident — they’re the result of years of organizing and sacrifice. That’s still worth celebrating.

Understanding what is Labor Day today means recognizing how far American workers have come, and how their efforts continue to shape the way we live and work. What is Labor Day if not a moment to thank those who made the 40-hour workweek possible — and those who keep the country running every day?

Labor Day Traditions and Customs

What is Labor Day in the United States? Basically, it’s a coast-to-coast sendoff to summer. Labor Day weekend is filled with warm-weather and summer activities like backyard barbecues, beach days, pool hangs and late-season picnics — all before school routines take over again.

And what is Labor Day without parades? Dating back to the earliest Labor Day celebrations, patriotic-themed street parades remain a popular tradition. Families line the streets and cheer as red, white and blue floats pass by. Carnivals and festivals with food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities like rides, games and face painting are also fairly common.

Of course, no guide to what is Labor Day would be complete without mentioning the sales. Retailers go big with end-of-season and back-to-school deals, turning the long weekend into a shopping event. It’s a fitting nod to the economy — and a solid excuse to upgrade your wardrobe or school supplies.

Labor Day vs Other Federal Holidays

So, is Labor Day a federal holiday? Yes. It was officially declared in 1894 when President Grover Cleveland signed it into law. It now sits alongside ten other federal holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, George Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day (the last Monday in May), Juneteenth, Independence Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

But what is Labor Day compared to those other holidays? For one, a lot of businesses stay open. Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, Labor Day is more about leisure and shopping than formal observance, so fewer places close completely. That’s partly because federal holidays only apply to federal employees; private businesses and state governments choose whether or not to give their workers the day off.

How To Explain Labor Day to Kids

Explaining what is Labor Day to kids can double as a history lesson. Start with a simple overview: Labor Day began because workers came together to fight for fair hours, better pay and safer conditions. Highlight that the very first Labor Day in 1882 was marked by a peaceful protest, showcasing the power of nonviolent demonstrations for enacting change. 

Once you’ve covered the history, bring it into the present. Labor Day now honors everyone who keeps the country running — from teachers to truck drivers. Framing what is Labor Day this way can help kids appreciate the value of hard work and maybe even get them thinking about what they want to do when they grow up.

What is Labor Day and Other FAQs

What Is Labor Day and Why Do We Celebrate It?

Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September and is a federal holiday, thanks to legislation signed by President Grover Cleveland in 1894. It’s often seen as the unofficial end of summer (even though the summer solstice happens on June 21), and Labor Day weekend is filled with beach days, barbecues and some well-earned rest.

The meaning behind what is Labor Day is twofold: it honors the 10,000 union workers who went on strike in 1882 demanding shorter workweeks, and it celebrates today’s working Americans who keep the country running. Before this holiday existed, many people worked seven days a week. Now, Labor Day gives many federal employees (and many others whose employers allow it) a much-deserved day off to spend with loved ones at the beach, a picnic, a barbecue or just relaxing at home.

Have We Forgotten the True Meaning of Labor Day?

Some people think the meaning of what is Labor Day has faded beneath the beach towels and barbecue smoke. While many treat it as a long weekend, the holiday is still rooted in honoring the hard-won rights workers fought for, and a chance to appreciate the people keeping things running today.

Why Can’t You Wear White After Labor Day?

That old “no white after Labor Day” rule? It’s mostly a leftover from early 20th-century fashion. Back then, white was often associated with summer and leisurely outdoor activities. And since Labor Day marks the end of summer, it was seen as a time shift to fall wardrobes and darker colors. Today, the rule is outdated. Wear what you want.

How Do You Explain Labor Day to a Child?

The holiday’s origins and meaning can be a great starting point for a kid-friendly history chat. You’ll find ideas for how to explain it earlier in the article, including how peaceful protests shaped the Labor Day we know today.

If you’ve been wondering what is Labor Day, now you know — it’s about more than just burgers and sales. It’s a celebration of workers past and present, and a reminder of what it took to get here.

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