Why is it called Black Friday in the US?
Black Friday, one of the most anticipated shopping days in the United States, has been a subject of curiosity for many. The name itself evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue, as it seems to suggest a darker side to the day. But what is the real reason behind this name, and how did it come to be associated with the day after Thanksgiving? Let’s delve into the history and origins of Black Friday to uncover the truth behind its name.
The term “Black Friday” was first used in the 1960s to describe the heavy traffic and chaos that would ensue in Philadelphia on the day after Thanksgiving. The story goes that the term was coined by the police department to describe the overwhelming number of people flooding the city to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving sales. The sheer volume of shoppers led to traffic jams, accidents, and a general sense of disorder, which is where the “black” in the name comes from. At the time, “black” was used to signify a financial loss or a negative situation.
However, the term’s meaning has evolved over the years. By the 1980s, the term had spread beyond Philadelphia and started to be used more broadly to describe the shopping frenzy that would occur on the day after Thanksgiving. While the traffic and chaos in Philadelphia may have been the original inspiration for the name, the term now encompasses the entire shopping season leading up to Christmas.
The “black” in Black Friday now represents a different kind of “black” – the color of profitability. Retailers often use the day after Thanksgiving as a kick-off to their holiday sales, offering deep discounts and promotions to attract customers. The hope is that these sales will help stores move from the “red” (loss) to the “black” (profit) in their financial ledgers. In other words, Black Friday is the day when retailers aim to turn a profit for the year, hence the name.
It’s important to note that the term “Black Friday” is not universally accepted or understood. Some people argue that the name is misleading, as it suggests that the day is dark and ominous, when in reality, it is a day filled with excitement and shopping opportunities. Others point out that the name is simply a reflection of the commercial nature of the holiday season, where the focus is on spending and consumption.
In conclusion, the name “Black Friday” has a complex history and has evolved over time. While it originally referred to the chaos and heavy traffic in Philadelphia, it now represents the hope for retailers to turn a profit during the holiday shopping season. Whether you love or loathe the term, it’s undeniable that Black Friday has become a significant part of the American holiday shopping tradition.
