What Day of the Week is Named After a Pagan God?

Overview of Pagan Day Names

Are you curious about which days of the week are named after pagan gods? Most of them! If you delve into the etymology of the days of the week, you'll find that many of them are actually named after deities from various mythologies. Here's a detailed exploration of the origins of the days of the week, focusing on the pagan influences that have shaped our modern calendar.

Weekday Origins: A Mix of Pagan and Roman Influences

According to historical records, the Roman and Norse cultures played a significant role in the naming conventions of our days of the week. The Romans named several days after their gods, but some other names stem from old Germanic pagan gods, while a few also have Greco-Roman roots.

Days Named After Roman Gods

Two days of the week are named after the Sun and Moon:

Monday: Named after the Roman god Mars, which in turn is named after the moon goddess Selene. Sunday: Refers to the Sun (Solis dies in Latin).

Other days, however, are named after different Roman gods and Norse deities.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

Key days with pagan influences are:

Tuesday: Named after the Norse god Tyr, who is the god of war. Wednesday: Named after the Germanic god Woden, also known as Odin, the high god in Norse mythology. Thursday: Named after the Norse god Thor, the god of thunder. Friday: Named after the Norse goddess Freya, the goddess of love and fertility.

Saturday: A Roman Heritage

Saturday is named after Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture. Some version also retains the Roman name 'Saturni dies.'

Greco-Roman Weekday Tradition

A thorough understanding of the Greco-Roman tradition is essential for a global perspective:

Sunday: Named after the Sun (Helios or Sol). Monday: Named after the moon (Selene or Luna). Tuesday: Named after Ares (Mars). Wednesday: Named after Hermes (Mercury). Thursday: Named after Zeus (Jupiter). Friday: Named after Aphrodite (Venus). Saturday: Named after Saturn (Kronos or Saturnus).

Modern English: A Blend of Past and Present

In some versions, modern English contains a mix of old Germanic and English names inspired by pagan deities, alongside their Roman counterparts:

Sunday: Named after the Sun (Sol or Sunna). Monday: Named after the moon (Mona). Tuesday: Named after Tyr (Tiw). Wednesday: Named after Odin (Woden). Thursday: Named after Thor (Thunor). Friday: Named after Frigge or Freya (Fria). Saturday: Named after Saturn (Saturnus).

South/Southeast/Northeast Asian Traditions

In certain regions, such as Afghanistan and Southeast Asia, the names of the days of the week are not related to gods but instead refer to elements:

Sunday: Named after Surya (the Sun). Monday: Named after Soma/Chandra (the moon). Tuesday: Named after Mangala (Mars). Wednesday: Named after Budha (Mercury). Thursday: Named after Brihaspati (Jupiter). Friday: Named after Shukra (Venus). Saturday: Named after Shani (Saturn).

While the main focus of this discussion is on the modern English names and their pagan origins, it is fascinating to explore how different cultures have shaped their own traditions of naming the days of the week.

Key Takeaways:

The majority of our days of the week are named after gods from various mythologies. Roman, Norse, and other cultural influences have created a rich tapestry of names for the days of the week. Understanding the origins of these names can provide insights into the historical and cultural significance of each day.