Where do day names come from ?
Where do the names of days come from ?
What do they mean ?
Have they always been the same ?
What are they linked to in the English-speaking world ?
Answers.
Monday
Origin :
Astrology / Astronomy
As in French and other languages, Monday was named after the Moon !
Some people even call and pronounce Monday « Moonday »
Isn’t it the best day for a good night’s sleep ?
Tuesday
Origin :
Mythology
As in many languages this day was named after the Roman God of War, Mars, many people believe it’s the same in ancient English.
But not !
As English finds its foundations in the German language and culture, Tuesday was named after Tiu/Tyr, the Scandinavian god of war, justice and victory.
Wednesday
Origin :
Scandinavian mythology
While this day was named after another Roman God (Mercury), in English this is another day named after a Scandinavian god : Odin. The king of the Scandinavian/German gods.
It’s the day of anger, madness. The day to be angry, mad, but also furious and impatient !
Is it because in the middle of the working week, we are looking forward to the weekend ?
Thursday
Origin :
German/Scandinavian mythology
And we go on in the German/Scandinavian mythology with Thursday, or shall we say Thor’s day !
Named after Thor, one of the most famous Scandinavian gods, impresonated in the famous movies entitled after him.
The perfect day to impersonate the Earth and stamp with a hammer – or something less hazardous !
Friday
Origin :
German/Scandinavian mythology
Needless to say : another day named after another Scandinavian mythological figure : Frigga.
Frigga is Odin’ wife and the Scandinavian goddess of love and heavens.
Or maybe the Teutonic ( a German order) goddess Fria/Friya of love and beauty.
The perfect day to pamper / make yourself beautiful before the weekend. Or when the weekend starts on Friday night !
Saturday
Origin :
Roman mythology or astrology/astronomy
Weekend !
Saturday was named after the Roman god of agriculture : Saturn.
Which is also the name of the planet !
As easy as in many other languages !
So is it the ideal day to grow fruit and vegetables ? Or harvest ?
Anyway, on a Saturday night, needless to say you’re going round and round !
Sunday
Origin :
Astronomy/astrology
As in many languages, this day was named after the Sun.
No surprise.
Is it because some say Sunday is the first day of the week while others consider it’s the last one ?
As the sun rises and also sets…
