Labor Day Trivia

Labor Day came into existence under pressure from the labor unions in the United States. The Pullmans Strike of 1894 is credited for the beginning of Labor Day. Congress approved the Labor Day recognition in a record six days. That is because Congress was trying to avoid further violence similar to the previous eruptions lead by the Pullman's Strike.

The day of celebration had to be established. The first Tuesday of September beginning 1882 celebrated the U.S. Marshals and U.S. Military workers. And the Central labor Union of New York is credited with the designation of Labor Day falling on the first Monday in September, beginning 1884. They urged all other unions to also celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday in September.

The purpose of Labor Day was to recognized the American worker and all the workers that contributed to the well being of the United States. The originators of Labor Day wanted to make sure U.S. Workers were recognized as contributors to the country's prosperity and for their dedication and achievements that made the economy as strong and solid as it was.

How People Celebrate

In an effort to celebrate Labor Day, Americans exercise their right to express themselves. For many people Labor Day is a end of summer holiday. They want the summer to go out with a big bang. This means parades across the country. Picnics on the beaches, in the parks along the rivers and on the patios. People even find a way to have tailgate parties in celebration of Labor Day. There would not be a Labor Day without political speeches. The political speeches become more abundant when an election year rolls around.The political speeches are symbols for the country's economic significance and the workers' civic imprint on our society.The country's leaders and our freedom as workers are all intertwined in the Labor Day celebration.

Did you know the parades have a special meaning beyond being a big party? Actually the parades represented labor and the strength they contributed to the country. After the parades, the picnics were set up. They represented family recreation and time together.

The barbecue (BBQ) is the official name for the parties and picnics. Anything can happen under the name BBQ. That includes fire works, people playing water sports and attending public art exhibitions. Families with school aged children celebrate Labor Day as the last day of summer and the last vacation day before school starts.

In the professional sports arena, the NFL and the college football teams see Labor day as the beginning of the football season. The first Thursday after labor day is the first game for the NFL teams. The NCAA and NASCAR see Labor Day as the day to compete in their organizational games.

In my research on this topic, I found an easy and fun game children of all ages could enjoy with their Labor Day celebration. The name of the game is "Pass the Box."

The game is played in the same way you would play musical chairs. But the players are sitting in chairs.  And a large box is wrapped in patriotic colors is passed around a circle of children. Each child passes the box to the left to the next person until the music stops playing. When the music stops playing, the person with the large box may unwrap and open the box. If the music starts before the person can finish opening the box, then it is passed to the left to the next person.

The process is continued until the box is completely unwrapped and open. To the surprise of the players, there is another smaller box within the larger box. It is also wrapped in patriotic colors. There are several layers of patriotic boxes in the session. The number of layers of boxes is optional. The last box is the smallest box. The lucky person will keep the gift inside the smallest box.

Amazon.com has great games and trivia information on Labor Day.Check out the books below or go to Amazon.com and browse their selections.

People love to throw a big Labor Day BBQ. They fire up the outdoor grill at the beach or in the park or on the patio. The BBQ is most likely to begin with marinating the meat. People like to say there is a family secret to their delicious tasting barbecue sauce. The BBQ meat could be chicken, fish, steak, or any meat the individual chooses.

The marinated meat is placed on the sizzling grill to cook until done. Other items such as cold potato salad or macaroni salad or any item the party participants want are arranged on the table. The salads, potato chips, and even the mustard, ketchup and dressings are set out on a beautiful gingham check red and white table cloth. People wait with great anticipation for the call of , "meal's ready!"

They all gather around and fill their plates. They enjoy each others company as much as they enjoy the last big blast of the summer on Labor Day.

While searching the internet for information on Labor Day, I found Labor trivia you may want to use at your picnic party.

• 7.7 million people work for more than one employer. That is at least two jobs.
  
• 10.4 million people work as entrepreneurs
• 28% of people work more than 40 hours per week
• 15.7 million people belong to a union
  
• $45,113 to $35,102 annual income for the average worker
• 17 million workers are on the road to work between the hours 12:00AM and 5:59AM
• 25.3 minutes is the average time it takes to travel from home to work
• 4 years is the average length of time most people work for an employer