How to Use Literature to Embrace the Spirit of Labor Day
As summer cools down and comes to an end, there is one final national celebration: Labor Day. Recognized on the first Monday of September, Labor Day is known as the unofficial end of summer. Even though there are several two weeks left of summer, schools are back in session and life returns to normal.
This year, Labor Day falls on September 7, and Americans around the country will honor workers and larger labor movements. Labor activists fought for improved conditions and higher wages for generations, and Labor Day is when this is celebrated.
With fall approaching, people may be shifting their interests and hobbies inside. Many traditional Labor Day celebrations are outside, but people can honor the spirit of the day from anywhere. In particular, anyone can celebrate Labor Day and its ideals through literature, both reading and writing. This article will look at the history of Labor Day and how to honor it with literature.
The Beginning of Labor Day
Labor Day was first celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. This first Labor Day celebration was spearheaded by a leader of the Central Labor Union. The goal of starting Labor Day was to provide a space to celebrate workers and their spirit. From the early days of America, workers across the economic spectrum had to advocate and fight for their rights. That was not an easy fight, and Labor Day is the ultimate celebration of that struggle.
As part of the inception and planning process, a blueprint was laid for the future. Parades were always an integral part of the plan for a national Labor Day. After President Grover Clevaland formally established a national Labor Day holiday in 1894, that was set in motion. Workers were always the backbone of the celebrations, which is why it being a formal holiday was so important. When workers have the day off, they can truly celebrate and feel honored by the day.
In the past nearly 150 years, parades, street fairs, and community events were always a landmark of Labor Day. The huge crowds who attended the first Labor Day parade set the precedent for generations to come. Parades, fairs, community gatherings, and barbecues are modern Labor Day staples.
The Literature of Labor Day — Fiction and Nonfiction
In the literary world, there are two broad types of books: fiction and nonfiction. There are exceptions, but most books fall in these two categories. From fiction to nonfiction to everything in between, books are a fantastic way to learn. All types of books can be useful learning tools to understand the spirit of Labor Day.
This is true for both reading and writing. When reading, the reader engages with the material before them and can process it as they please. Whatever topic they are reading about, they can analyze and absorb. There are seemingly infinite books to read for any topic, including Labor Day.
However, writing engages in a more active role, especially during a research process. Writers have control over what material is published and dispersed in the world, controlling the narrative. A successful writer will be an expert in the material and have a thorough understanding of all themes and messages.
Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Labor Day books and other works about the labor movement can come as either fiction or nonfiction. An individual’s choice between consuming or creating fiction or nonfiction is personal to them. Either way, there are countless ways to gain an understanding of the ethos of American workers. Even books that are not explicitly about workers or labor can be enlightening as Labor Day reading.
Fiction is a form of creative writing that comes from the author’s imagination. However, that does not mean there is no basis in reality. On the contrary, some of the most engaging forms of fiction are rooted in real life and universal themes. When writing a story about Labor Day or workers at large, these themes can be obvious or more indirect. It is up to the author’s discretion to share themes through their writing.
Nonfiction is still creative, but the text is based in direct reality. Common genres of nonfiction are biographies, history, philosophy, self help, or other educational texts. This can be a more direct way to share messages about Labor Day and its larger themes.
Ultimately, Labor Day is meant to honor the strength and power of workers and the working class. You can choose to celebrate any way that sees fit, and literature can be an unexpected way to do so. And remember, if there is no book that piques your interest, you can always write your own!
