Why is the Day After Monday Called Tuesday?

As you may know, Britain was invaded by various European peoples over the early stages of its history. Among these invaders were the Norsemen, who brought with them a rich cultural heritage and a unique naming system for the days of the week. The name “Tuesday”, much like other English weekday names, is deeply rooted in both Norse and Roman mythology.

Historical Context and Slavic Invasions

Slavic invasions played a significant role in the naming of English weekdays, leading to changes from the original Anglo-Saxon names.

Tuesday: The Day of Tiw

The name Tuesday was influenced by the Norse god Tiw (Tyr). In early English, it was spelled Tiwesday or even Tiwsday. Tiw was the god of single-combat and law and justice and was equated with the Roman Mars in the interpretatio germanica. His association with Mars made him a deity of war, law, and justice, reflecting the deep cultural ties between the Norse and Roman pantheons.

The Roman Influence and Latin

The origins of Tuesday can be traced back to the Roman name for the day, dies Martis, which translates to "day of Mars." Mars, the Roman god of war, was also known to the Norse as Tiu, leading to the English name Tuesday.

The Cultural Fusion

The naming of days in Northern Europe was heavily influenced by the Norse gods, while the Southern European days of the week were based more on the Sun, Moon, and planets. The English weekday names we use today are a mix of these influences, with four days named after Norse gods: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Here is a breakdown of the origins of these names:

Tuesday

Tuesday is named after the Norse god Tiw. In Norse mythology, Tiw was the god of single combat and law and justice. His name has been adopted in English as Tuesday, reflecting the legal and combative aspects of his role.

Wednesday

Wednesday is named after Woden (or Odin), the chief god of the Norse pantheon. Woden was the god of wisdom, poetry, strength, and healing. The name Woden’s day has evolved into Wednesday.

Thursday

Thursday is named after the Norse god Thor, who was the god of thunder and a powerful warrior. The name Thursday is a derivative of Thors day.

Friday

Friday is named after the Norse goddess Frigg, who was associated with love, fertility, and wisdom. The name has evolved into the English Friday.

Saturday

Saturday is named after the Roman god Saturn. Saturn, the god of agriculture and time, gives us the root Saturns day for the English name Saturday.

Sunday

Sunday is named after the Sun, reflecting its role as the first day of the week in the Christian calendar. The name Sunday is derived from the Anglo-Saxon Sunnudagur, meaning “sun’s day.”

Monday

Monday comes from the Anglo-Saxon monandaeg, meaning “moon day.” It refers to the moon's influence on the day, which was significant in early pagan beliefs.

For English speakers and those from Northern Europe, the days of the week have a clear connection to both the planets and the gods. Understanding the origins of these names can provide a fascinating insight into the cultural and religious history of the region.