Cultural Tidbit
May 01, 2007

Even though more than 150 countries around the world observe Labor Day on May 1st the US celebrates the same holiday in September. Why?

1. To reinforce its independence from European traditions
2. To distance the holiday from the Chicago Haymarket riot in 1886
3. Grover Cleveland preferred the September weather to May in Washington, DC.
4. To be contrarian

The answer is B. Grover Cleveland, against the government's recommendation, supported establishing the Labor Day holiday in September. He was concerned that a national holiday on May 1st would commemorate the Chicago Haymarket riot in 1886.

Bonus Question: Name three countries from 3 different continents that celebrate Labor Day on May 1st.

Would you be in favor of a global Labor Day holiday that would unite the world for a one day celebration?

Tell us why or why not and you will be entered into a drawing for a special gift from As Simple As That®.