Journal 125 – Labor Day

Labor Day is a holiday honoring working people. On this day, labor organizations sponsor various celebrations; for most people it is a day of rest.
In Europe, Labor Day is observed on May 1. In America, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. This year, it will be on September 3.
The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire to create a day off for the “working man”. Today, Labor Day is often regarded as a day of rest. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, and public art events.
Many years ago, in Poland and all socialistic countries, street parades which exhibit to the public the strength of the working class were organized by the local governments and institutions. The people were obligated to participate in special parades, because they could lose their jobs.
Many people, because of this reason, hated May 1. I remember this holiday with great clarity and unpleasant feelings. In those times, I was a dean assistant who was responsible for students participating in these parades. Most of the students didn’t like to participate in those kinds of events. Right now, parades are not organized.