These days it seems innocuous enough. Just another day off for hot dogs, boating or yard work.

It’s such a laid-back holiday we don’t even put up decorations. Even if we did, what would they be? Who wants to hang a sledgehammer on the wall, or look at pictures of steam shovels?

Yet despite its bland facade, Labor Day has its place in the pantheon of American celebrations born of human suffering - yes, even bloodshed.

The idea for a national observance to honor labor sprang from the unrest of the latter third of the 19th century. Union historians pinpoint Sept. 5, 1882, as the first actual Labor Day, the highlight of which was a parade in New York City by 20,000 people demanding an eight-hour workday.

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