Key Takeaways
– There is a disagreement among marketers regarding the spelling of Presidents’ Day, with some using an apostrophe and others omitting it.
– The AP Stylebook advises against using an apostrophe, while The Chicago Manual of Style allows for it.
– The holiday was originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday, but it has since evolved to include all U.S. presidents.
– Congress rejected a proposed name change to Presidents’ Day, but it has become the commonly accepted name due to retailers’ use of it to promote sales.
The Origins of Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day, also known as Washington’s Birthday, has its roots in the celebration of George Washington’s birthday on February 22nd. The holiday was first established in 1885 to honor the first president of the United States. Over time, it has evolved to include all U.S. presidents, past and present.
The Debate over the Apostrophe
One of the main points of contention among marketers is the spelling of the holiday. Some argue that it should be spelled “Presidents’ Day” with an apostrophe to denote a plural possessive, while others believe it should be spelled “Presidents Day” without an apostrophe.
The AP Stylebook, a widely recognized style guide for journalists, advises against using an apostrophe in “Presidents’ Day.” According to the AP, the holiday is a simple plural, not a possessive. On the other hand, The Chicago Manual of Style allows for the use of an apostrophe, stating that it is acceptable to use it to denote a plural possessive.
The Evolution of the Holiday
Despite the debate over the spelling, Presidents’ Day has become the commonly accepted name for the holiday. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved the celebration of Washington’s birthday to the third Monday in February. This change was made to create a three-day weekend for workers and to promote tourism and retail sales.
While Congress rejected a proposed name change to Presidents’ Day, the term gained popularity among retailers who used it to promote sales. As a result, the name stuck and is now widely recognized as the official name of the holiday.
The Influence of Retailers
The influence of retailers cannot be underestimated when it comes to the name and celebration of Presidents’ Day. Retailers saw an opportunity to boost sales by offering discounts and promotions during the long weekend. They began using the term “Presidents’ Day” in their advertisements, and it quickly caught on with the public.
Today, Presidents’ Day is associated with sales and deals on a wide range of products, from cars to furniture to electronics. Many people take advantage of the holiday to shop for big-ticket items at discounted prices.
Writing about Presidents’ Day: To Apostrophe or Not?
As a writer or marketer, it is important to consider the spelling of Presidents’ Day when creating content. The choice between using an apostrophe or not can depend on the style guide you follow or the preferences of your target audience.
If you adhere to the AP Stylebook, you would write “Presidents Day” without an apostrophe. This is the preferred spelling for many journalists and news organizations. However, if you follow The Chicago Manual of Style or if your audience is more accustomed to seeing “Presidents’ Day” with an apostrophe, you may choose to use it.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use an apostrophe or not should be based on your style guide, your target audience, and the context in which you are writing. It is important to be consistent in your usage throughout your content to maintain clarity and professionalism.
Conclusion
Presidents’ Day, or President’s Day, is a national holiday that honors the legacy of U.S. presidents. While there is a disagreement among marketers regarding the spelling of the holiday, it has become widely known as Presidents’ Day due to the influence of retailers. Whether you choose to use an apostrophe or not in your writing, it is important to be consistent and consider the preferences of your target audience.
