Have you ever wondered how the days of the week got their names? In English, the names of the days of the week come from a mix of Roman and Norse mythology. However, before these names were adopted, the Anglo-Saxons had their own names for each day of the week. In this article, we will explore the old English days of the week and their meanings.
Sunday
The old English word for Sunday was "Sunandæg". This word is derived from the Germanic Sunna, which means sun. Sunandæg was a day of the week dedicated to the worship of the sun. This was a common practice among many ancient cultures, including the Greeks and Romans.
Monday
The old English word for Monday was "Monandæg". This word is derived from the Germanic Mōnōn, which means moon. Monandæg was a day of the week dedicated to the worship of the moon. It was believed that the moon had a powerful influence on people's moods and behavior.
Tuesday
The old English word for Tuesday was "Tiwesdæg". This word is derived from the Germanic Tiwaz, which means god of war. Tiwesdæg was named after the Norse god Tyr, who was associated with war and justice.
Wednesday
The old English word for Wednesday was "Wōdnesdæg". This word is derived from the Germanic Wōden, which means the chief god. Wōdnesdæg was named after the Norse god Odin, who was the chief god of the Vikings.
Thursday
The old English word for Thursday was "Þunresdæg". This word is derived from the Germanic Þunor, which means the god of thunder. Þunresdæg was named after the Norse god Thor, who was associated with thunder and strength.
Friday
The old English word for Friday was "Frīgedæg". This word is derived from the Germanic Frigg, which means the goddess of love and fertility. Frīgedæg was named after the Norse goddess Frigg, who was associated with love, fertility, and motherhood.
Saturday
The old English word for Saturday was "Sæturnesdæg". This word is derived from the Roman god Saturn, who was associated with agriculture and wealth. Sæturnesdæg was a day of the week dedicated to the worship of Saturn.
These old English names for the days of the week may seem unfamiliar, but they have left their mark on the English language. For example, Tuesday is still named after the Norse god of war, and Thursday is still named after the Norse god of thunder. The names of the days of the week are a reminder of the rich history and mythology that has influenced the English language.
Conclusion
Learning about the old English days of the week can be a fascinating journey into the past. These names reflect the cultural and religious beliefs of the Anglo-Saxons and their Norse neighbors. Although these names have been replaced by the Roman and Norse names we use today, they still serve as a reminder of the diverse history that has shaped the English language.