Not to be confused with the structurally similar 'International Worker's Day,' Labour Day too is an annual holiday which celebrates the achievements of workers everywhere. Though celebrated all over the world, every country has its own day and reasoning for the time it's celebrated. 

This day finds its origins in the labour union movement which advocated the ideal work structure that we (try to) follow today. It advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest. We're sure you agree that's something worth celebrating. Aside from this, no one can pinpoint a single figure who revolutionized the conept worldwide and made this day a mandatory one. It just sort of evolved into this by itself. 

It's commemorated almost all over the world but observed on different days depending on the country. For example, India has its labour day on May 1st of every year--the most commonly used date for the same--while New Zealand has a public holiday for it on the fourth Monday of every October. USA, which probably takes this day the most seriously, celebrates this day on the first Monday of every September. In many ways it is also supposed to mark the end of summer and most schools open from their 3-month-long summer vacations. 

This day has also naturally come to be associated with socialist and communist factions as well. But considering we're getting a day off, let's just take note of the silver lining and enjoy it!

-Pictures courtesy Thinkstock-

30 second guide, labour day, workers day, workers union, USA

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