The Holiday that Separates the Seasons

Labor Day, the holiday that separates the seasons. Yes, the last holiday of Summer, or the first holiday of Fall, whatever your perspective may be. Summer lovers will lament that Labor Day is their last holiday, and will sadly watch the last of the firecrackers fill the Summer sky. Those who love the Fall season will be joyous that their favorite season has arrived. They are starry eyed, as they watch fireworks in the early Autumn sky. Wherever you fall, happy or sad, the holiday is a grand one, celebrated by millions of people, and with just as many fireworks as the Fourth of July.

For many years, and still in many areas, Labor Day marks the beginning of school. School starts officially the first day after Labor Day. While Jefferson County Schools start before Labor Day, there was a time when this was not the case. It was always an after Labor Day opening. Teacher in-service and registration was held prior to the holiday, but it was after that, when we buckled down to our studies… no more Summer… no more fun… school was in session!

Labor Day has traditionally been a dictator of fashion. Not being a fashion expert, I was still aware that fabrics changed to the darker and thicker ones. White shoes were put away in favor of darker ones. Patten shoes were a “no, no,” regardless of color, and I joyously opened my sweater drawer, and once again felt the soft cashmere touch my fingertips. I could never resist putting one on, just to feel the fabulous fabric touching my body. On the negative side, shorts were to be put away until next summer. I always cheated on this one. I would have worn shorts with sweaters, and actually did at times.

Activities change after Labor Day. In Tennessee as well as other states, it becomes “football” time. The slogan “football time in Tennessee” still rings out, as the Vols take the field in Knoxville. Early was the name of the game, as parking was and is still at a premium. Vol fans crowded into vans, meaning tailgating and other parties! Tennessee becomes orange in the days after Labor Day. Fairs, outdoor music festivals, fall carnivals, hay rides, haunted houses and pumpkin patch activities soon follow. The nights get crisper and the trees change colors. Mother Nature gives a final grand showing before the cold winter sets in… and all of this because of Labor Day!