Thursday is a day of the week that often gets overlooked, mainly due to it being sandwiched between the mid-week mark and the start of the weekend.
However, there are many fascinating facts and legends surrounding Thursday that make it a day worth celebrating.
Fun facts about Thursday
- In Japan, Thursday is known as “mokuyobi”, which means “wood day” in reference to the element of wood in traditional Japanese medicine.
- The French word for Thursday is “jeudi”, which means “Jupiter’s day”.
- The popular children’s book series “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” begins on a Thursday.
- The Hollywood sign in Los Angeles was first unveiled on a Thursday in 1923.
- The world’s first computer mouse was demonstrated on a Thursday in 1968.
Now we’ll take a closer look at some of these interesting facts about Thursday that you may not have known:
Origin of the name “Thursday”
Thursday is named after the Norse god of thunder, Thor. The Old Norse name for Thursday was “Thorsdagr”, which means “Thor’s day”. Thor was the god of thunder, strength, and protection in Norse mythology, and was considered to be one of the most powerful gods.
Astrological significance of Thursday
In astrology, Thursday is associated with the planet Jupiter. Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, and is known for its strong magnetic field and stormy atmosphere. Those born on a Thursday are said to be optimistic, lucky, and generous, which are all traits associated with Jupiter.
Religious significance of Thursday
In Christianity, Thursday is significant because it is the day of the Last Supper, which was the final meal that Jesus had with his disciples before he was crucified. In Islam, Thursday is considered to be a blessed day, and Muslims are encouraged to fast on this day. Other religions also have special rituals and events associated with Thursday.
Cultural significance of Thursday
In popular culture, Thursday is often associated with the phrase “Throwback Thursday”, where people share old photos and memories on social media. In some cultures, Thursday is considered to be a lucky day for weddings and other important events. In addition, there are many idioms and expressions featuring Thursday, such as “Thank goodness it’s Thursday” and “Thursday’s child has far to go”.
Here is just a small selection of the most popular questions that people ask about Thursday.
What is the significance of Thursday?
Thursday is considered to be an important day in various cultures and religions. It is named after the Norse god Thor and is associated with many myths and legends. For example, in Christianity, Thursday is associated with the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.
Is Thursday a public holiday?
In most countries, Thursday is not a public holiday. However, some countries may observe Thursday as a holiday during special occasions or festivals.
Why is Thursday sometimes referred to as “Friday Eve”?
Thursday is sometimes referred to as “Friday Eve” because it is the day before Friday, which is often considered the last day of the working week. Many people associate Thursday with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming weekend.
What are some famous events that occurred on a Thursday?
Many significant events throughout history have occurred on a Thursday. For example, the first Harry Potter book was published on a Thursday in 1997, and the United States Declaration of Independence was signed on a Thursday in 1776.
What is the origin of the name “Thursday”?
The name “Thursday” comes from the Old English word “Þunresdæg,” which means “Thor’s day.” Thor was a Norse god associated with thunder, lightning, and storms.
You’ll no doubt have realised by now that Thursday is a day full of fascinating history, astrology, and cultural significance.
Whether you celebrate it as “Throwback Thursday” on social media or as a day of religious observance, there are many interesting facts and traditions associated with this often-overlooked day of the week.
So next time Thursday rolls around, take a moment to appreciate all of the unique qualities that make it a special day.
Feature Image by Heiko Stein from Pixabay