Labour Day: A History, Fashion Myths, and Fun Colouring Activities

Labour Day is a public holiday celebrating workers and the work they perform for society. It is celebrated on different dates around the world but is normally associated with parades, speeches, and a well-earned holiday for the majority. In Canada and the United States, Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September as a symbol of the start of autumn and the end of summer.

Apart from its social and historical significance, Labour Day is also associated with an old fashion rule: that you must not wear white after Labour Day. But why did this tradition begin, and what colouring fun activities can you do to usher in the changing season?

The meaning of Labour Day

Labour Day was created as a remembrance of workers' rights and the fight of the labour movement for equal pay, fair hours, and improved working conditions. Industrial laborers worked excessively long hours with little time off in the late 19th century, and some of them began to demand better treatment. Demonstrations and strikes resulted in the establishment of Labour Day officially, which over time became a public holiday in commemoration of the workforce.

Labor Day has also become the summer-to-fall turning point for many people. In North America, it is typically the last weekend of summer holidays, barbecues, and outdoor parties before it becomes cool. 

Why people say you shouldn't wear white after Labour Day

The prohibition of wearing white following Labour Day is one of the most popular yet archaic style customs. Its origins are disputed, and a few theories surround it:

1. Class distinction: White was equated with wealth and leisure in the early 20th century because it was not appropriate for working-class people who labored outdoors. Summer vacation ended after Labour Day, and wealthier families switched to darker, more functional fall attire. Wearing white after the holiday was considered a fashion blunder by those who wanted to emulate upper-class fashion.

2. Seasonal change: Summer is traditionally paired with white as it reflects sunlight and keeps us cool. The advent of autumn, however, requires darker and warmer colors because of the drop in temperature.

3. Influence of the fashion world: With the passage of time, the fashion industry continued to support seasonal dressing, propelling the view further that the color white suited summer and fall required darker tones.

While this rule was followed religiously for several decades, today it is more or less ignored. White is worn year-round by everyone without giving it a second thought. Fashion is all about expressing oneself, and Labour Day no longer plays a role in wardrobe choices the way it once did.

Labour Day colouring ideas to celebrate the holiday

Rather than worrying about fashion regulations, why not celebrate the holiday with some creative colouring exercises? Whether celebrating with loved ones, unwinding at home, or taking a moment to ponder the significance of Labour Day, enjoy one or more of these simple colouring ideas.

1. Colouring sheets of workers and their occupations
Labour Day commemorates workers in all professions, from doctors and teachers to road workers and firemen. One entertaining way of engaging with the holiday is colouring pictures symbolizing different jobs.

Get or create colouring pages with workers in uniforms, toolboxes, or workplaces. This is a great activity for children to acquaint themselves with different careers and appreciate the work undertaken by individuals every day.

2. Labour Day parade scenes
Many cities host Labour Day parades with marching bands, banners, and floats celebrating the contributions of workers. Colouring a parade scene with waving flags, balloons, and people cheering is a fun way to capture the celebratory mood of the day.

3. Seasonal colouring: transition from summer to fall
Labour Day marks the start of autumn from summer, so it is a great day to colour pictures of autumn. You can colour summer pages with beaches, sunglasses, and ice cream cones or start welcoming autumn with leaves changing colors, pumpkins, and cozy sweaters.

To further make it innovative, try blending colors to illustrate the passage of one season into another, such as shading from bright summer greens to burning autumn oranges and reds.

4. Patriotic Labour Day paintings
In the majority of countries, Labour Day is a time to reflect on national pride and the strength of workers. You can celebrate by colouring images of patriotic items, such as flags, national landmarks, or symbols that represent unity and hard work.

For a North American Labour Day, consider colouring pages featuring the American or Canadian flag, an eagle, or a maple leaf. If you’re celebrating in another country, choose national symbols that represent the spirit of workers and unity.  

5. Inspirational quotes about hard work
Another important manner of celebrating Labour Day is colouring quotes about hard work and perseverance. Some great quotes to colour with are:

- "Without labour, nothing prospers." – Sophocles
- "The reward of a thing well done is to have done it." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- "Dare to be honest and fear no labour." – Robert Burns

You can have these quotes in a colouring page with fancy designs, flowers, or geometric shapes for a relaxed and fun activity.

6. Make your own Labour Day poster
As a personal activity, try designing and coloring your own Labour Day poster. Draw tools of some occupation, a gesture of union between hands, or a quote showing appreciation towards workers for the sweat and blood. Once completed, display your artwork at home or share with friends and families.

Enjoy Labour Day through creativity and colouring

Labour Day is about the celebration of labour and ushering in a new season. Forget about fashion dos and don'ts like not wearing white and enjoy the holiday with soothing and imaginative coloring exercises.

No matter your colouring choice of workers, seasonal changes, patriotic, or inspirational quotes, Labour Day provides a good opportunity to reflect back, appreciate, and let your imagination run. Grab your colouring tools, enjoy your long weekend, and celebrate the Labour Day spirit in full colour.