Labor Day is passed and I am busy packing up my “white” wardrobe.

I am sure many of you know the unspoken rule that you cannot wear white after Labor Day. It is so widespread that some consider it settled law in the world of fashion. You may wear white to your neighborhood cookout on Labor Day, but must retire your white clothing the Tuesday after Labor Day–at least so the rule seems to dictate.

Where did such a “rule” come from?

Some believe it dates back to the early 1900’s where the old money elites thought it elevated them above the lower classes. Those with enough money to travel during the winter and fall wore white as vacation attire, meant to signal an air of leisure. Those without money to travel would remain in dark clothing for the seasons after Summer. Thus, only wear white after Labor Day if you are rich and can afford to travel during the Winter months.

For many Labor Day has become the day signaling the end of Summer. As a child I remember Labor Day was the day that summer vacation ended and school started back. It was also a time to change from light summer wardrobe to darker, and in Michigan, thicker clothing.

The rule itself is not so binding for many today. You can certainly wear white after Labor Day if it strikes your fancy–The older women will talk about you, but who really cares.

Maybe we need a day to remind us that we have “taken off” our old self an have “put on” a new self. But there is! Every Sunday I am reminded that I am clothed in a “new” robe–one provided by God through my faith in Christ. Every Sunday I am reminded that I have died to my self, been buried, and then raised to live a new resurrected life in Christ.

This is my story…