The days of the week as we know them today are more than just a simple schedule. They are deeply rooted in the myths and legends of our ancestors. Norse mythology in particular has had a significant influence on the naming of the days of the week in Germanic languages, including German. In this blog, we will take a detailed look at the origins of the days of the week and examine their mythological meanings, linguistic derivations and the rhythm of life in harmony with the gods: shaping the week according to Norse mythology.
Monday (Monday, Monedag) - The day of the moon
Monday is derived from the Old English “Monandæg” and Old High German “Mānetag”, which literally means “day of the moon”. The Germanic peoples adopted this day from the Latin “dies Lunae”, the day of the moon goddess Luna. In Nordic mythology, however, this does not directly correspond to a deity, but rather to a general worship of the moon as a celestial body.
The moon was personified in the Norse imagination by Máni, the brother of the sun (Sól). Máni is the male embodiment of the moon, who travels through the sky and divides time into lunar phases. While the moon is often female in other cultures, Norse mythology reflects a male interpretation. Monday is therefore dedicated to Máni, who watches over the night and brings light in the darkness.
Activities:
- Reflection and planning: Monday is the sign of the moon, which represents intuition, emotions and inner rhythm. It is an ideal day to look within yourself, reflect on the past week and make plans for the coming week.
- Start gently: Start the week gently by taking time for yourself, meditating or journaling.
- Self-care: Pay attention to your emotional health, perhaps through a relaxing activity like a bath or yoga.
Tuesday (Tuesday, Tyrsdag) - The Day of Tyr
Tuesday is named after Tyr, the Norse god of war and justice. The original name in Old Norse was "Týsdagr", which is composed of "Týr" and "dagr" (day). Týr was a central god in the Germanic pantheon and was especially revered for his courage and justice.
The most famous story about Tyr tells how he sacrificed his right hand to bind the monster wolf Fenrir, who threatened the gods. In Roman mythology, this day was dedicated to Mars, the god of war (Latin "dies Martis"). The Germanic tribes, who were under Roman influence, replaced Mars with their own god of war, Tyr, which ultimately led to the naming of Tuesday. The meaning of Tuesday as "Tyr's Day" thus commemorates courage, sacrifice and the enforcement of law.
Activities:
- Making decisions: Tyr symbolizes courage and justice. Use Tuesday to make important decisions that may require courage.
- Accept challenges: This is a good day to face difficult tasks and overcome obstacles, be it at work or in your personal life.
- Sports activities: Since Tyr is also the god of war, Tuesday is ideal for sporting challenges, especially those that require discipline and stamina. 
Wednesday (Wednesday, Wodansdag) – The Day of Odin
Wednesday is a fascinating example of the connection between Germanic and Roman traditions. In Norse mythology, Odin (Old Norse "Óðinn") was the supreme god, ruler of Asgard, and the god of wisdom, poetry, magic, and war. The Old Norse name for this day was "Óðinsdagr," meaning "Day of Odin."
In Old High German, this day was called "Wodanstag," which also refers to Odin (Wodan, Wotan). The name was retained in English as "Wednesday" (Woden's Day). In German, however, the name changed to "Mittwoch," which literally means "middle of the week," overriding the original mythological meaning. Nevertheless, the connection to Odin remains, as Wednesday in its original form was considered a day of wisdom and spiritual guidance, qualities that Odin embodied.
Activities:
- Expanding knowledge: Odin, the god of wisdom, inspires you to engage in learning and intellectual challenges on Wednesday. Read a book, take a class, or dedicate yourself to a new skill.
- Communication: Use Wednesday to have important conversations, exchange knowledge or develop creative ideas.
- Strategic planning: Like Odin, who is often portrayed as a wise strategist, you can use this day to make long-term plans.
Thursday (Thursday, Thorsdag) – The Day of Thor
Thursday is clearly named after Thor, the mighty god of thunder and lightning. Thor was one of the most popular and revered gods in Norse mythology, known for his immense strength and his iconic hammer Mjölnir. The Old Norse name for this day is “Þórsdagr,” which means “Day of Thor.”
This day corresponds to the Latin "dies Iovis", the day of Jupiter, the Roman god of the sky and lightning. The Germanic peoples replaced Jupiter with their own god of thunder, Thor, which led to the modern name of Thursday. In German, this day is called "Donnerstag", with the word "Donner" referring directly to the connection to Thor and his control of the weather. Thor, as the defender of the gods and men against the giants, embodies the forces of nature and protection from chaos.
Activities:
- Strength and protection: Thor is the god of thunder and represents strength and protection. Thursday is ideal for being physically active, especially in vigorous sports or activities.
- Problem solving: Use your energy to overcome challenges and use “flashes of inspiration” to solve problems.
- House cleaning: In many traditions, Thursday is also a day of cleaning. Use the energy of Thor to clean and tidy your home. 
Friday (Friday, Freydag) – The day of Frigg or Freyja
Friday is named after one of the most important goddesses in Norse mythology, with both Frigg and Freyja being possible namesakes. Both goddesses played a central role in Norse myths and represented different aspects of life.
Frigg, the wife of Odin, was the goddess of marriage, motherhood, and household. She was known for her wisdom and ability to weave fate. Freyja, the sister of the god Freyr, was the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and magic. She was also a leader of the Valkyries and was often associated with war and death, as she claimed half of the warriors killed in battle.
The Old Norse name for this day was "Frjádagr", which could refer to both goddesses. The German name "Friday" is also derived from "Frigg" or "Freyja", although the exact assignment was not always clear historically. Friday thus symbolizes love, fertility, wisdom and the feminine aspects of the divine.
Activities:
- Love and relationships: Friday is the ideal day to focus on relationships, be it through a romantic evening, time with family or friendships.
- Creative activities: Freyja, the goddess of beauty and creativity, inspires you to engage in art, music or other creative hobbies.
- Relaxation and enjoyment: Enjoy Friday evening with good food, a glass of wine or another activity that brings joy.
Saturday – Saturn’s Day or Bathing Day
Saturday is named after Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and time (Latin: dies Saturni). This is one of the few days of the week that does not have a direct origin in Norse mythology. The original Germanic name was Sunnunæftan, meaning "evening before Sunday". In Old Norse, this day was called Laugardagr, meaning "bathing day". Saturday was traditionally the day when people bathed, a practice deeply rooted in the culture of the Nordic peoples.
In German, the name "Saturday" comes from the Old High German "Sambaztag", which in turn refers to the Sabbath. This name shows the influence of Christianity, which replaced the Roman Saturn. Nevertheless, Saturday remains in the Nordic tradition as a day of rest and personal hygiene.
Activities:
- Physical care: Inspired by the Nordic “bath day,” Saturday is ideal for self-care. Take time for a long bath, spa treatment, or other wellness activities.
- Housework and order: Saturn symbolizes structure and order. Use Saturday to clean and tidy your home and prepare for the coming week.
- Leisure and relaxation: Saturday is also a good day to relax and engage in leisure activities that give you pleasure.
Sunday – The day of the sun
Sunday is dedicated to the sun, one of the central celestial bodies and a symbol of life and light. The name is derived from the Old High German “Sunnūn tag” and the Old Norse “Sunnudagr”, both of which mean “day of the sun”.
In Norse mythology, the sun was personified by the goddess Sól, who rode across the sky daily, pursued by a giant wolf named Sköll, who would ultimately devour her during Ragnarök. Sól embodies light, life force, and the cycle of day and night. Sunday, as the "day of the sun," is therefore a day of renewal and light, and this day has additional sacred significance in Christianity as the day of Christ's resurrection.
Activities:
- Rest and regeneration: Sunday is traditionally a day of rest. Use it to recharge your batteries and recover.
- Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors, enjoy the sun, take a walk or a hike.
- Spirituality and reflection: Sunday is an ideal day for spiritual practices or meditation.
Conclusion
The naming of the days of the week in Germanic languages, especially German, is a fascinating legacy that takes us deep into the world of Norse mythology. Each day is not only a part of our modern calendar, but also carries the stories and wisdom of our ancestors. These mythological connections remind us how closely our everyday lives are connected to the ancient gods and their legends, and provide us with a rich cultural context that links our modern world to the deep roots of the past.
By drawing on the mythological meanings of the days of the week, we can enrich our weekly planning and fill each day with intention and meaning. Whether it's starting the week calmly, tackling challenges, or relaxing on the weekend, the ancient myths can inspire us to live our lives in a more conscious and balanced way.