Black Friday is a term widely recognized as the biggest shopping day of the year in the United States and increasingly across the globe. It is known for massive sales, doorbuster deals, and the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.
But have you ever wondered why this day is called Black Friday?
The name “Black Friday” has a complex and layered history, with multiple origins and meanings that have evolved over time. While today it evokes images of bustling stores and consumer frenzy, its original connotations were quite different, some even negative.
The Early Origins of the Term
The earliest known use of the phrase “Black Friday” did not refer to shopping or consumer culture at all. In fact, the term was first used in the 19th century to describe financial crises.
One notable example is the Panic of 1869, a financial crisis in the United States caused by the collapse of gold prices. This event, which took place on September 24, 1869, was called “Black Friday” because of the economic turmoil it triggered.
“On September 24, 1869, the U.S. stock market crashed after two speculators attempted to corner the gold market, leading to chaos and widespread financial losses.”
This early usage of the term reflects a day of disaster rather than celebration. However, it was not connected to retail or the holiday shopping season.
Black Friday and Retail: The Philadelphia Connection
The specific association of Black Friday with the day after Thanksgiving began in Philadelphia in the 1950s and 1960s. Police officers in the city used the term to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving.
This day marked the start of the holiday shopping season, and thousands of tourists and shoppers would flood into the city. Police officers dreaded this day because it brought congestion, accidents, and increased crime.
Philadelphia police: “Black Friday was a day when we worked longer hours dealing with traffic jams, crowd control, and shoplifting.”
Retailers in Philadelphia and elsewhere initially disliked the term because of its negative connotations. They even attempted to rename it “Big Friday” to make it sound more positive, but the name “Black Friday” stuck.
The Shift to a Positive Meaning: Profit and Accounting
Over time, the meaning of Black Friday shifted from a negative to a positive one, especially in the retail industry. The key to this transformation lies in accounting practices.
Traditionally, businesses recorded losses in red ink and profits in black ink. The day after Thanksgiving marked the point when many retailers would finally move “into the black”—that is, become profitable for the year.
This financial turnaround was due to the surge in holiday shopping. As millions of customers spent money, stores saw a significant boost in sales, pushing their annual earnings from negative (red) numbers into positive (black) territory.
Accounting metaphor: “Black Friday represents the day when retailers’ books go from red (losses) to black (profits).”
How Black Friday Became a National Phenomenon
Although Black Friday originated as a local term in Philadelphia, it spread nationwide during the latter half of the 20th century. Retailers across the country adopted it as the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season.
The surge in consumer spending on this day became so significant that it shaped the retail calendar. Many stores began to open earlier and offer special discounts to attract shoppers.
By the 1980s and 1990s, Black Friday had grown into a cultural event, marked by long lines, early store openings, and a frenzy of sales promotions.
Table: Timeline of Black Friday’s Evolution
| Year / Period | Event / Usage | Meaning of “Black Friday” |
|---|---|---|
| 1869 | Panic of 1869 – Financial Crisis | Economic disaster; stock market crash |
| 1950s – 1960s | Philadelphia police term for post-Thanksgiving traffic | Negative connotation: heavy crowds, chaos, crime |
| Late 1960s – 1970s | Retailers attempt to rebrand as “Big Friday” | Initial resistance to the term |
| 1980s onwards | National adoption as holiday shopping start | Positive meaning: profitable sales day (“in the black”) |
| 2000s – Present | Global expansion; online sales included | Major shopping event with huge deals and promotions |
Black Friday in Modern Times
Today, Black Friday is no longer just about physical stores. The rise of e-commerce has transformed it into a multi-channel event.
Online retailers offer deep discounts, often starting days or even weeks before Thanksgiving.
Black Friday has also inspired other sales events such as Cyber Monday, which focuses on online deals, and Small Business Saturday, which encourages shoppers to support local businesses.
Despite its commercial success, Black Friday has also attracted criticism. Some argue it promotes overconsumption, environmental waste, and even dangerous shopping behavior.
“The frenzy of Black Friday highlights the tension between consumer culture and sustainability.”
Common Misconceptions About Black Friday
There are several myths surrounding the origin of Black Friday. One popular misconception is that it is named because retailers only make a profit on this single day.
In reality, Black Friday is just one key part of the broader holiday shopping season.
Another myth is that the term “Black Friday” was coined by retailers to signify profitability. However, historical evidence shows the term originated from police and media reports describing negative conditions.
Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the true story behind the name and its cultural significance.
Summary of Key Points
- Black Friday first described financial crises in the 19th century.
- Philadelphia police used the term in the mid-20th century to describe chaotic post-Thanksgiving crowds.
- The name gained positive meaning tied to retailers moving “into the black” financially.
- It evolved into a nationwide shopping event and, later, a global phenomenon.
- Modern Black Friday includes both in-store and online sales, with mixed social and environmental impacts.
Conclusion
The term Black Friday has a rich and multifaceted history that reflects changes in American society, economy, and culture. From its roots in financial disaster to its current status as a symbol of consumerism and holiday tradition, the name embodies a story of transformation.
Whether you see Black Friday as an opportunity for great deals or a cautionary tale about consumption, understanding the origin of its name adds depth to this iconic day. It reminds us that many cultural phenomena have unexpected beginnings and evolve over time in surprising ways.
As the holiday shopping season continues to grow and change, so too will the meaning and significance of Black Friday in years to come.
