DID YOU KNOW?
The names of the days of the week in English are based on the names of celestial bodies, which in turn have associations with ancient Roman and Norse gods. The days and their associations are as follows:
Sunday - Named after the Sun (associated with the Roman god Sol or the Norse goddess Sunna).
Monday - Named after the Moon (associated with the Roman goddess Luna or the Norse god Mani).
Tuesday - Named after the Norse god Tyr (associated with Mars, the Roman god of war).
Wednesday - Named after the Norse god Odin (associated with Mercury, the Roman messenger god).
Thursday - Named after the Norse god Thor (associated with Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods).
Friday - Named after the Norse goddess Frigg (associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love).
Saturday - Named after the Roman god Saturn.
While Sunday, Monday, and Saturday have direct connections to celestial bodies, Tuesday to Friday are associated with a combination of Norse and Roman mythology.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SATURN WORD ORIGIN
SUNDAY
Christians were persecuted in ancient times for several reasons, primarily due to their religious beliefs and practices conflicting with the established social, cultural, and political norms of the societies in which they lived. Historical evidence suggests Emperor Constantine issued a decree in 321 CE that encouraged rest on "the venerable day of the Sun." This decree is often cited as an early example of a legal recognition of Sunday as a day of rest.
The specific wording of the decree doesn't explicitly mandate religious observance or worship on Sunday but rather emphasizes the importance of rest on that day. While Constantine himself converted to Christianity, the primary motivation for the decree may have been more practical, such as providing a day of rest for the Roman Empire.
Over time, Sunday became increasingly associated with Christian worship, and various Christian denominations adopted it as their primary day of worship. The shift of the Christian Sabbath to Sunday is a development that occurred over centuries.
OTHER RESOURCES
The names of the days of the week in English are derived from celestial bodies, gods, and other elements of mythology and astrology. Here is a breakdown of the origins of the English days of the week, along with scholarly resources for further exploration:
Sunday: Named after the Sun, the central star in our solar system. In many cultures, Sunday is traditionally regarded as the first day of the week.
Monday: Named after the Moon, Earth's natural satellite. The Latin word for Monday, "dies Lunae," directly translates to "day of the Moon."
Tuesday: Named after Tiw, the Norse god of war, also known as Tyr. In Latin, Tuesday is called "dies Martis," meaning "day of Mars," after the Roman god of war.
Wednesday: Named after Woden, or Odin, the chief god in Norse mythology. In Latin, Wednesday is called "dies Mercurii," meaning "day of Mercury," after the Roman god associated with communication and travel.
Thursday: Named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder. In Latin, Thursday is called "dies Iovis," meaning "day of Jupiter," after the Roman god associated with thunder and lightning.
Friday: Named after Frigg, the Norse goddess of love and fertility, who was associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love. In Latin, Friday is called "dies Veneris," meaning "day of Venus."
Saturday: Named after Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and time. In Latin, Saturday is called "dies Saturni," meaning "day of Saturn."
Scholarly Resources:
"Mapping Time: The Calendar and Its History" by E.G. Richards: This book provides an in-depth exploration of the history and development of calendars, including the origins of the names of the days of the week.
"Dictionary of Word Origins" by John Ayto: This comprehensive dictionary explores the etymology of words and phrases, including the origins of the names of the days of the week.
"The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll through the Hidden Connections of the English Language" by Mark Forsyth: While not solely focused on the days of the week, this book offers entertaining and informative insights into the origins of various words and linguistic phenomena, including celestial-based names.
These scholarly resources can provide further understanding of the origins and meanings behind the names of the days of the week in English.
Emperor Constantine’s decree
Emperor Constantine issued a decree in 321 CE regarding the observance of Sunday as a day of rest. This decree is often cited as an early example of legal recognition of Sunday as a day of rest and worship. Constantine's decree, known as the "Edict of Milan," was issued alongside Licinius, co-emperor of the Roman Empire at the time.
The Edict of Milan, issued in 313 CE, granted religious toleration to Christians within the Roman Empire, effectively ending the persecution of Christians. While the specific text of the decree is not extant, historical evidence suggests that Constantine issued subsequent legislation, including decrees regarding the observance of Sunday as a day of rest.
Constantine's motivations for promoting Sunday observance were likely multifaceted, including religious, political, and social factors. By encouraging the observance of Sunday as a day of rest, Constantine aimed to promote Christianity, unify the empire under a common religious framework, and provide a day of rest for his subjects.
Scholarly Resources:
Barnes, T. D. (1981). "Constantine and Eusebius." Harvard University Press. This scholarly work provides an in-depth examination of Constantine's reign and his relationship with Christianity, including his policies regarding Sunday observance.
Drake, H. A. (2000). "Constantine and the Bishops: The Politics of Intolerance." Johns Hopkins University Press. This book explores the political and religious dynamics of Constantine's reign, including his interactions with the Christian Church and his policies regarding religious observance.
Edwards, M. J. (2010). "Constantine and the Christian Empire." Routledge. This scholarly resource offers insights into the religious and political context of Constantine's reign, including his promotion of Christianity and his policies regarding Sunday observance.
These scholarly works provide valuable insights into the historical context and significance of Constantine's decree regarding Sunday observance, as well as its implications for the development of Christianity and the Roman Empire.
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We don't claim to be self-professed prophets, teachers, leaders, or mentors, and we're not part of any clique, sect, or recruitment center. The resources mentioned on our website and YouTube channel, such as Strong's Concordance, Encyclopedia Britannica, the dictionary, word etymology, etc., serve as tools for a broader perspective. Nonetheless, our ultimate trust remains in the unchanging ToRaH of the Creator and God of Israel. We always encourage everyone to measure all opinions against the unchanging ToRaH of the Creator and God of Israel.
BaT DaBaR 7:14 “2 Chronicles” Hebrew ToRaH
14 When my people, who bear MY NAME humble themselves, pray, and seek my favor and TURN from their evil ways; I will hear in my heavenly abode, and FORGIVE their sins, and will heal their land.
MaKhiYaH 6:8 “Micah”
8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth YaHuWaH require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy ALuWaH?
ZaMaR 119:10-11 “Psalm”
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.