What is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday called? These are the names of the weekdays in the Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used calendar system today. Each day represents a different part of the week, and they are collectively referred to as the weekdays or working days. Understanding the origins and significance of these names can provide insight into the historical and cultural context in which they were established.
The weekdays have their roots in ancient civilizations, with each name derived from various languages and mythologies. The word “Monday” originates from the ancient Saxon word “Monandæg,” which translates to “Moon’s Day.” This is because the moon was often associated with the start of the week in many cultures. Similarly, “Tuesday” is derived from the word “Tiwesdæg,” which is the name of the Norse god Tyr, who was associated with war and martial arts.
Moving on to “Wednesday,” the name is a combination of the old English words “Wōdnesdæg,” meaning “Woden’s Day.” Woden, also known as Odin, was the chief god of the Norse pantheon and was associated with wisdom and magic. Thursday’s name, “Þūnresdæg,” comes from the Old English word for Thor, the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology.
The origin of “Friday” is more obscure, as it has various explanations. One theory suggests that it is named after the Norse goddess Frigg, who was associated with love and marriage. Another theory proposes that it is derived from the name of the Roman god Jupiter, who was also associated with the planet Jupiter. Finally, “Thursday” could be a derivation of the word “Tiwesdæg,” similar to Wednesday, as it was also dedicated to the god Tyr.
Thursday is often considered the midpoint of the workweek, as it is halfway between Wednesday and Friday. Friday, on the other hand, has been associated with various cultural and religious practices over the centuries. In Christianity, Friday is the day of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, making it a day of remembrance and reflection. In some cultures, Friday is considered an auspicious day for starting new ventures and is often associated with prosperity and good luck.
In summary, Monday through Friday are collectively known as the weekdays, each named after a different deity or celestial body in various ancient cultures. Understanding the origins of these names provides a fascinating glimpse into the historical and cultural significance of the week’s days.
