For me, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, always ushers in
a feeling of change and the end of summer, even though autumn’s
official arrival won’t be until September 23rd this year. I have
always associated this holiday with the beginning of a new school
term. Where I’ve always lived – in the north – it was the time of year
for putting away white shoes and summer things until the arrival of
Memorial Day on May 30th.
Frank and I took advantage of the pleasant weather by enjoying a four
mile walk this afternoon, and here and there we saw signs of autumn’s
approach. To me, the profusion of White Wood Asters, one of the earliest
blooming asters, is a harbinger of the arrival of New England Asters
which make their appearance later. I always look forward to these pretty
purple autumn flowers.
Now, here is a little bit that I found out about the background of
this holiday: In recognition of the contributions of American workers,
the holiday known as Labor Day was first celebrated on Tuesday, 5
September 1882, in New York City. The first Monday in September of each
year became a legal holiday by an act of Congress on 28 June 1894.
For more on White Wood Asters, including photos, see:
http://www.all-creatures.org/picb/wfshl-aster-whitewood.html
For more on New England Asters, including photos, see:
http://www.all-creatures.org/picb/wfshl-aster-ne.html
