How Did We Name the Days of the Week?

 


The seven names we use for the days of the week have been passed down to us from ancient times, and each day has its own unique story and symbolism.

Monday was named after the Moon
Monday was named after the Moon, which was associated with the goddess of fertility and love in mythology. The name comes from the Old English Mōnandæg, meaning "day of the Moon."

Tuesday was named after the Norse god of war, Tyr, who was associated with Mars, the Roman god of war. The name comes from the Old English Tīwesdæg, meaning "Tyr's day."

Odin
Wednesday
was named after the Norse god Odin, who was associated with Mercury, the messenger of the gods. The name comes from the Old English Wōdnesdæg, meaning "Odin's day."

Thor
Thursday
was named after the Norse god of thunder, Thor, who was associated with Jupiter, the king of the gods in Roman mythology. The name comes from the Old English Þūnresdæg, meaning "Thor's day."

Friday was named after the Norse goddess of love, Frigg, who was associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love. The name comes from the Old English Frīgedæg, meaning "Frigg's day."

Saturday was named after the Roman god of agriculture, Saturn, who ruled over the Golden Age in Roman mythology. The name comes from the Old English Sæturnesdæg, meaning "Saturn's day."

The sun
Sunday
was named after the Sun, which was revered by many cultures as a deity. The name comes from the Old English Sunnandæg, meaning "day of the Sun."


More to Explore:

Our Space topic

Our Vikings resources

Our Days of the Week section

Our Calendar topic

 

How Did We Name the Days of the Week?
Sunday, 8th October 2023

Become a Member to access 39,215 printables!