Days of the Week: Origins in Astrology & Mythology

• The names of the days of the week have origins in ancient astrology and mythology, primarily Roman and Norse.

Sunday

• Named after the Sun.
• Latin name is "dies Solis", meaning "day of the Sun."
• In many cultures, Sunday is considered the first day of the week.

Monday

• Named after the Moon.
• Latin name is "dies Lunae," meaning "day of the Moon."
• Monday follows Sunday in the standard week.

Tuesday

• Named after the Norse god Tyr (Tiwes in Old English).
• Tyr was associated with single combat, victory and heroic glory
• Latin name was "dies Martis," or "day of Mars" in reference to the Roman God of War.

Wednesday

• Named after the Norse god Odin (Woden in Old English).
• Odin was associated with wisdom, poetry, death, divination, and magic.
• Latin name was "dies Mercurii," meaning "day of Mercury."

Thursday

• Named after the Norse god Thor.
• Thor was associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind and hallowing, healing and fertility
• Latin name was "dies Iovis," meaning "day of Jupiter."

Friday

• Named after the Norse goddess Frigg (or Freya).
• Frigg was associated with love, beauty, fertility, gold, and seiðr (magic).
• Latin name was "dies Veneris," meaning "day of Venus."

Saturday

• Named after the Roman god Saturn.
• Latin name is "dies Saturni," meaning "day of Saturn."
• Saturday is the only day of the week to retain its Roman origin in English.