Labor Day Heritage and Traditions

It’s the holiday American’s observe on the first Monday of September each year. It’s not the biggest holiday in terms of miles traveled, dollars spent and traditions followed. And, even the most faithful American sometimes gets it jumbled up with Memorial Day. Labor Day does have a long and rich history, of course. So, we asked Central Bank associates about Labor Day, their holiday traditions and what the day means to them. 
Almost to a person, everyone surveyed understands the hard work and dedication of working men and women who have made this country what it is. They recognize how this holiday is unique at identifying that solidarity of spirit, hard work, freedom and love of country.  For some, that original meaning runs deep. For others, the passage of time has made the Labor Day traditions – time with friends, for instance – as strong with meaning as the original intent of the holiday. 
Central Bank associates like Carolyn Theis, Elizabeth Baustian and several others cited the “time off with family” as a personal association with the Labor Day holiday. Becky Patterson and others we talked to cited family as part of their traditions and also noted the celebration of the equality of man in the US and the American working force. If there is a theme among the Central Bank associate traditions focused on Labor Day, it might be “F” – as in, Family, Food, Fun, Fall and Freedom. Reunions, the lake, grilling and card games were all mentioned. For good measure, you could throw Fantasy Football and Fireworks in there. As one Central Bank associate said, “It’s basically a Fourth of July, Part 2 for us.” 
Some of the perspectives we heard really hit at some of the traditions that make Labor Day unique amongst holidays. More than one person identified that feeling of having a “summer’s bookend” or landmark date that Labor Day represents in the calendar year. Randy Johnson cited the day for its significance in representing this symbolic end of summer and beginning of fall-related activities. Another perspective that was shared among many was that Labor Day had fewer ‘strings attached’ in terms of gift-giving, religious ceremonies, travel, etc. – which has made it perfect for establishing our own traditions. For many, this means “doing nothing – and being happy about it,” and for others, like Larry Anderson, it’s the simple pleasure of a Family Fantasy Football League Draft, a sort of “non-event” event, which affords the balance of the long weekend to be used for spontaneous activities and relaxation. 
Do you have any Labor Day traditions unique to your family? Do you think of it as the symbolic end of summer? Whether you’ve got work to do or not, we hope this Labor Day gives you a few moments to reflect and relax.