Labor Day began from a parade and celebration held in 1882 by union workers in  New York to honor the working class. Giving in to social pressures at the time, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution in 1894 to designate the first Monday in September as "Labor Day" to keep the workers happy.

Today, Labor Day is observed in the U.S. as well as in many other countries. However, in the United States it is a general holiday, but in European countries, its roots in the working class remain much clearer.

In the U.S., Labor Day is celebrated more as the unofficial end of summer. In many areas of the U.S., summer season begins with Memorial Day and ends with Labor Day. Many universities, colleges, secondary, and elementary schools begin their classes immediately after Labor Day.

Banks, government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed on Labor Day. State parks, beaches, swimming pools, and campgrounds are very busy on Labor Day, when vacationers enjoy one last day of summer. Many people travel out of town for the last three-day weekend of summer.