Expressions: The Naming of Days

by Liam Bourret-Nyffeler

I'm sure we've all been told about the importance of Latin in Western languages. It's hardly surprising that many days share similar name forms or concepts between languages. What is more, with celestial bodies in our solar system being of huge importance for everyone I'd like to look at some of the more surprising similarities. There are of course exceptions but the cultural connections with ancient empires have bestowed upon us similarities in the way things are named. For now we'll look at the days of the week: Today is Monday, So let's get started there... then?

Monday: Day of the Moon.
The moon is central enough to life here on Earth that it's even got it's own calender. I'm not going into months  and calender beyond what is pertinent to days but I might choose that next time.

Vikings and Germanic cultures share a similar word and concept. Some variation of Mon  or maan and dag, daeg, tag.
Spanish and other romance languages often have Lunes, Lundi or something similar. Again Luna = Moon.

Here's where it gets a little funky. In Japan, not only do they have "Day of the Moon" (Getsuyōbi) but it's the day that follows Sunday! The same is also true in Hindi. (Somavār)

Note: On the whole Chinese, Arabic, Hebrew and Portuguese follow a structure of something akin to "1st Day, 2nd Day etc." easier to learn if you can count... but I hoped for something that might lead to some old Gods of the Ancient cultures of those areas or something like that. Old Portuguese, however, DOES use this. If and when something relevant pops up in one of those languages, I'll mention that.

Take care, all. Don't get the Monday blues.
And as always, any clarifications, corrections or help of any sort are appreciated.

Sources: English references from http://etymonline.com
http://www.cjvlang.com/
Admittedly a bit of Wikipedia so don't take this blog as irrefutable in any way.