What is Labor Day?

Always held on the first Monday in September, Labor Day was the idea of Peter J. Maguire (although recent research has shown that it might have been his brother Matthew’s idea), a labor union leader who in 1882 proposed a celebration honoring the American worker.

The date chosen was simply “convenient,” according to Maguire, because it was midway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.

Although the day’s focus on organized labor has diminished over the years, the holiday has become a way to mark the end of the summer season—and the start of the school year.

When Is Labor Day?

Labor Day Recipes

Traditionally, Labor Day consists of barbecues and time spent together with family. We’ve got some great recipe ideas below for this final summer weekend hurrah.

• Fried Chicken (an Old Farmer’s Almanac Recipe Contest First Prize Winner)
• Summer Salsa Salad (See our Salsa Recipes collection for more inspiration.)

Summer Salsa Salad. Photo by vm2002.

• Super Steak Sandwich
• Spicy Grilled Beef and Black Bean Salsa
• Summer Couscous and Shrimp Salad (or use chicken)
• Zucchini Pancakes (goes with most meats)
• Topless Pear Fig Pie

Topless Pear Fig Pie. Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner.

• Fresh Melon, Fig, and Prosciutto
• Best Brownies 
• Blueberry Pancakes for a lazy morning!

Also see our collections of grilling recipes and cold picnic recipes.

Labor Day Fun

Check out some of the Almanac’s great nature links to guide you in your outdoor activities, including camping and sky watching!

Labor Day weekend can also be a great time to fish. See the Almanac’s best days for fishing!

Do you do anything to celebrate Labor Day? Let us know in the comments below.