Where does Black Friday get its name from? This question often puzzles many people, especially those who are not familiar with the history of this popular shopping event. Black Friday, which occurs on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, has been a significant day for retailers for decades. However, the origin of its name is not as straightforward as one might think. In this article, we will explore the various theories and explanations behind the name “Black Friday.”
Black Friday has its roots in the early 20th century when it was first used to describe the heavy traffic and chaos in Philadelphia on the day after Thanksgiving. The term “Black Friday” was first used in a police report from 1961, which described the heavy traffic and the general disorder that occurred on the day. However, it was not until the 1980s that the term began to be associated with the shopping event we know today.
One of the most popular theories about the origin of the name “Black Friday” is that it refers to the financial success that retailers experience on this day. The idea is that the heavy sales on Black Friday help retailers move from “the red” to “the black” in their accounting books, indicating a profitable year. This theory is supported by the fact that many retailers report their annual earnings for the year in January, which is why Black Friday is often seen as the start of the holiday shopping season.
Another theory suggests that the term “Black Friday” was derived from the practice of blackening the ledgers of retailers on the day after Thanksgiving. This practice was meant to mark the day when retailers finally turned a profit for the year. However, there is no historical evidence to support this theory.
Some historians believe that the term “Black Friday” was originally used to describe the heavy traffic and chaos in Philadelphia during the 1950s and 1960s. The term was used to describe the chaos caused by the influx of shoppers and the resulting traffic jams. This theory is supported by the fact that the term “Black Friday” was first used in a police report from 1961.
In conclusion, the origin of the name “Black Friday” is still a topic of debate among historians and shoppers alike. While the term may have originated from the heavy traffic and chaos in Philadelphia, it has evolved to represent the financial success that retailers experience on this day. Regardless of its origin, Black Friday remains a significant day for shopping enthusiasts and retailers around the world.
