Inferno, courtesy of K. Kendall via www.flickr.com

Labor Day is around the corner.

Why do we celebrate this first Monday of September each year? Hardly a trick question, yet the meaning surprisingly stumps people. It’s not about birthing, although that’s a doozy of a job and aptly named. Labor Day, declared a Federal holiday in 1894, was established to honor the labor movement and the struggles of our nation’s working class. Traditionally, it marked the passing of summer — halfway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving — and the start of school year and was the cue to pack away your fabulous wardrobe whites for the year.

Fast-forward a century: unions are on the decline, our workforce and school calendars have changed, and wearing white post-summer — while still cause for comment in some circles — is no longer taboo. Ironically, Labor Day is one of the busiest days of the year for retailers and many service industry workers. Thankfully, this three-day weekend offers most of us a chance to uncork a bottle of carefree and savor one last summer night with family or friends. Even if you never leave your doorstep, the destination is less important than the point: take a break and get away.

Here are a few Six Word Memoirs to get you in the mood for the long weekend ahead, however you spend it. Feel free to add your own!

Labor Day USA. Few know why.
—Loon

No Monday morning madness… Labor Day!!!
—Heem08

Maverick; wearing white after Labor Day!
—smaratta

Labor Day. Working class. Perfect segue.
—Contemplative

Decided: Laboring not Labor Day weekend.
—TawnyPort

Tired from a laborious Labor Day.
—Believe

Heart labor day, slash day’s labor.
—singlethought

Redundance: broke, unemployed on Labor Day.
—wescoll

Labor Day dreams–working or dreaming?
—mzejay

Worked on Labor Day. #Holiday Fail.
—Kelly_Kreth

Labor day wedding, wearing white head-to-toe.
—novice