What is the history of Labor Day?

With the three-day weekend in store, people across the world are grateful for Labor Day, but how many people truly know what Labor Day is, the sacrifices that were made and how the holiday came about?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day originated in the 19th century "when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity, and well-being."

During the 1800s, the Industrial Revolution had people of all ages working long hours to make a living, with no weekends off. Both adults and children were put to work in unsafe conditions to the point where strikes began. Workers were protesting for fair pay, an end to child labor and the ability to form unions.

History.com states, "On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history."

The origins of the holiday began when individual states started passing ordinances, in 1885 and 1886, to secure state legislation. The Haymarket Riot occurred in 1886, and policemen and workers were killed, along with the execution of four union workers.

On Feb. 21, 1887, Oregon became the first state to pass the law to recognize Labor Day, even though New York was the first state to introduce the bill. Several states began to follow suit, with Nebraska passing the law by the end of the 1880s. After more states continued to move forward and pass the law, the 1894 Congress passed the law almost 12 years after protests and strikes began.

Many states have large celebrations and festivities during Labor Day weekend by offering parades, picnics, festivities and events. While the holiday celebrates the dedication of workers in the United States, it serves as a day for children to play and workers to rest.

Labor Day is now celebrated every first Monday of September in the United States because of the first parade in New York City and due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 that changed holidays to be observed on Mondays to allow for three-day weekends.

More than 160 countries observe Labor Day, although some countries celebrate it during May.

Labor Day also acts as an introduction to fall, a time to return to school and an end to summer.