Have you ever wondered why Monday is called Monday, Tuesday is called Tuesday, and so on? Here's the answer!
As you know, English came from many different languages. This is evident in the names we have for the days of the week. Here's where the name of each day came from.
The seven-day week originated from the Babylonians, and it became part of the Roman calendar in 321 AD, during the time of Emperor Constantine.
The Romans named the seven days of the week after heavenly bodies, which were named after gods. These names were replaced with related or similar words in English.
Sunday – This name came from the Old English word Sunnandæg, which is a translation of the Latin dies solis. It means "sun's day."
Monday – This name came from the Old English word Mōnandæg, which is a translation of the Latin dies lunae. It means "moon's day."
Tuesday – In Old English, it was Tīwesdæg. It means "Tiw's day." Tiw is the Norse god Týr, a heroic warrior usually shown with one hand. In Latin, the day was called dies Martis, associated with Mars, the Roman god of war.
Wednesday – In Old English, it was Wōdnesdæg. It is the day of Odin, the main god in Norse mythology. In Latin, it is dies Mercurii or the day of Mercury, a major Roman god. Odin and Mercury are different gods, but they are both known for their might.
Thursday – This name came from the Old English Þūnresdæg, which means "Þunor's day." Þunor means thunder, and the god associated with it is otherwise known as Thor, the Norse god of thunder (among many things). The Latin equivalent is dies Iovis, or "day of Jupiter." Jupiter is the Roman god of the sky and thunder.
Friday – In Old English, it was Frīgedæg. It means "the day of Fríge." Fríge is a goddess who is described as Odin's wife. The Latin counterpart is dies Veneris or "day of Venus." Venus is the Roman goddess of love and beauty.
Saturday – This name still reflects its Roman origin. In Latin, it was dies Saturni or "day of Saturn." Saturn is the Roman god of time, harvest, and agriculture.
Now
