Days of the week

The origins of the seven-day week go back to ancient Babylon or Sumer, and possibly much further. In many languages the days of the week are named after the sun and moon and the five visible planets: Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn, or the deities or elements associated with these planets. In other languages the days are simply numbered.

In many countries, including most of Europe, Asia and South America, Monday is thought of to be the first day of the week. In others, including the USA, Canada and in parts of Africa, the week begins on Sunday.

Origins of the English names for days of the week

Monday - comes from the Old English Mōnandæg (day of the Moon) and is a translation of the Latin name dies Lunae
Tuesday - comes from the Old English Tīwesdæg (Tyr's day). Tyr (a.k.a. Tiw, Tew or Tiu), was the Nordic god of single combat and heroic glory in Norse mythology. The name is based on Latin dies Martis (Day of Mars). Mars was the Roman god of war.
Wednesday - comes from the Old English Wōdnesdæg (day of Woden). Woden or Odin was the top Norse god, and a prominent god of the Anglo-Saxons in England. It is based on Latin dies Mercurii (Day of Mercury).
Thursday - comes from the Old English Þunresdæg (the day of Þunor). Þunor or Thor was the Germanic and Norse god of thunder. It is based on the Latin dies Iovis (Day of Jupiter).
Friday - comes from the Old English Frigedæg (day of Frige). Frige was the Germanic goddess of beauty, who is a later incarnation of the Norse goddess Frigg, but also connected to the Goddess Freyja. It is based on the Latin dies Veneris (Day of Venus). Venus was the Roman god of beauty, love, and sex.
Saturday - named after the Roman god Saturn from the Latin it was diēs saturnī (Day of Saturn).
Sunday - comes from the Old English Sunnandæg (day of the Sun). This is a translation of the Latin phrase dies solis.

Days of the week in many different languages

Links

Information about the origins of the names of the days of the week
http://www.indepthinfo.com/weekdays/
http://webexhibits.org/calendars/week.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Days_of_the_week
http://www.friesian.com/week.htm

Days of the week and months of the year in many languages
http://www.domesticat.net/misc/monthsdays.php
http://www.geonames.de/days.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Days_of_the_week

Other time expressions

Days of the week | Months of the year | Seasons

Other phrases

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