Monday, September 1, 2008

(No) Labor Day

I don't know about you girls but the history of our American culture (and many others) fascinates me. I think it has to do something with being able to connect with societies and individuals that lived tens, hundreds, and thousands of years ago. I recently saw Sister Hood of the Traveling Pants (yes I will admit I spent my weekly allotted gas money on a silly girl movie), and one of the main characters, Bridgette, was studying anthropology and archeology in Egypt. She found a skull of an Egyptian woman from thousands of years previous. As she studied the bones, she observed that her death had been the result of unsuccessful childbearing began asking questions and wondering what was daily life like for this woman, what type of mother was she, and what were made her joyful. She felt connected to this woman, despite the gap of generations and living in completely polar societies-she found similarities.

In a similar way, just like Bridgette, the mystery of the unknown makes me search for the answers. Thus, this weekend with the celebration of labor day I began googling the tradition and history behind labor day. I've always wanted to know why this nationally proclaimed holiday is called labor day when all government institutions are not laboring. So for those who also are perplexed by this oxymoron, here is what I discovered...As the Industrial Revolution took hold of the nation during the 1880's, the average individual (including children) worked 12 hour days, seven days a week in order to provide for their families. American unions became more prominent because of the long, terrible working conditions and on September 5th, 1882 10,000 workers marched from city hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first-ever Labor Day parade. Participants took an upaid day-off to honor the workers of America, as well as vocalize issues they had with employers. As years passed, more states began to hold these parades, but Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later.


Aren't you glad you just learned THE REST OF THE STORY....)

All you need to know for the Happenings This Week (September 1st- September 7th):
Tuesday- Enjoy your pseudo monday!
Wednesday-Club Fair on caf lane after chapel. Learn about more things to put on your plate!
Thursday- Girls volleyball game 7:00pm
Superhero Bowing 9:00-11:00pm. Look for more communication from ASB
Friday- Last day to add classes for the semester
Men's soccer game 4:00-6:00pm
Sunday- Church and Enjoy your Saabath!


One Final Thing... The progressive dinner is set for Tuesday, September 16th starting at 6:00 pm! Please sign your roommates and you up for hosting a course (appetizers, salad, entree, dessert). Remember the cost is covered by the Flex Budget!

And en-light of dinner parties... the video of the week is all about my two favorite things...creating awkward public situations and dinner parties.


Have a great week girls!