Depending on where you live, Thursday would be the fourth or fifth day of the week for you.
In most places around the globe, it is the fourth day of the week. This is also often reflected in how the day is named in different languages.
For example, the Chinese name for Thursday translates to 'fourth solar day.' While Slavic languages share the same connotation about Thursdays as the Chinese, the Portuguese and Greek seem to regard it as the fifth day of the week instead.
This day is celebrated in many ways. The Eastern Orthodox Church assigns Thursdays to Apostles and Saint Nicholas, and there are a set of hymns that are sung in an eight-week cycle. At the same time, Christians have Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday, which is believed to be the Thursday on which the Last Supper took place.
While these religious connotations are important, one of the interesting facts about Thursday is that it is also a shopping day for Australians and Norwegians! Keep reading for more amusing facts about Thursday!
History Of Thursday
Thursdays have more historical significance than we may think. Names of the days of the week shed a lot of light on how they came into being and the cultural or religious importance that they might hold. The same holds true in the case of Thursday as well!
One of the most interesting facts about Thursday is that its name is a derivation of 'Thor's day.'
Thor is the Norse God of Thunder.
The Roman God Jupiter is also related to Thursday since he is the God of Thunder as well.
The astronomical sign of Jupiter is also used to represent Thursday.
The Sanskrit name of the day also remembers Jupiter.
The same is found in the Hindi version of the name, which is Guruvar.
The word guru is assigned to Jupiter, who is considered to be the Guru of the Gods.
Importance Of Thursday
One of the best things about Thursday is that it is made special by several events. Most of the traditions and celebrations that occur on this day have to do with religion, and each religion has reasons for making this day memorable.
In Buddhist culture, Thursdays are thought to be teachers' days.
This is why schools and colleges in mainly Buddhist countries start on Thursdays.
In Thailand, which is a largely Buddhist place, graduation is almost always held on Thursdays.
The bald eagle was chosen as the official log of the USA on a Thursday.
Elections in the United Kingdom always take place on Thursdays.
This is not a requirement put forth by law, but a custom that is respected.
Celebrations That Take Place On Thursday
Many celebrations take place on Thursdays. Most places have their own reasons for honoring and celebrating this day.
Ascension Thursday is celebrated to commemorate the day on which Jesus started his voyage towards Heaven.
Divine services performed by the Eastern Orthodox Church on Thursdays honor their 'True God.'
Thursday’s fish day was started in the '70s, during which, restaurants in the USSR were encouraged to serve fish dishes once a week.
This was done by the Soviet Union to commemorate the fall of communism.
Thursday or Jupiter's day is also known to be a shopping day in Norway.
Most malls and stores stay open till later than all the other days of the week to welcome more and more shoppers.
Australians are usually paid their weekly or bi-weekly wages on Thursdays, which is why they also indulge in some retail therapy on this day of the week.
Hence, malls in Australia also stay open past their usual timings on Thursdays.
Famous People Born On Thursday
One of the most fascinating facts about Thursday is that many notable figures of the world took birth on this day. Let's talk about some of them!
We can hardly miss out on one of the most famous and notable painters of the world when talking about people born on a Thursday. Leonardo da Vinci, who is also the man behind The Last Supper painting, was born on a Thursday.
Ed Helms, who is a very famous actor, was born on a Thursday as well.
Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born on a Thursday.
FAQs
What are Thursdays famous for?
Thursdays are famous for divine services, for being a great day for teaching, a day of wealth and prosperity, and many other things depending on the part of the world where you live.
What does Thursday mean in the Bible?
In Christian tradition, Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter. On this day, people clean out their spaces and give out money. This is especially common in the United Kingdom. 40 days after Easter comes Ascension Thursday. It is believed that on this day, Jesus started his voyage towards Heaven.
How do we celebrate Holy Thursday?
Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday is celebrated by cleaning out houses and giving money out to those in need, it is the Thursday before Easter.
Was the Last Supper on a Thursday?
The Last Supper took place on the Thursday before Easter, which is known as Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday.
Why is Thursday Jupiter's day?
Thor was the Norse God of Thunder, which is also the title held by Jupiter, the Roman God of Thunder. For this reason, Thursday, or Thor's day, is also linked to Jupiter.
In the Latin language, Thursday is written as 'lovis dies', which translates to Jupiter's day. Essentially, we have more than one completely acceptable name for the fourth day of the week!
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature
Shirin BiswasBachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature
With a degree in English from Amity University, Noida, Shirin has won awards for oratory, acting, and creative writing. She has a wealth of experience as an English teacher, editor, and writer, having previously worked at Quizzy and Big Books Publishing. Her expertise lies in editing study guides for children and creating engaging content.
With a background in digital marketing, Niyati brings her expertise to ensure accuracy and authenticity in every piece of content. She has previously written articles for MuseumFacts, a history web magazine, while also handling its digital marketing. In addition to her marketing skills, Niyati is fluent in six languages and has a Commerce degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University. She has also been recognized for her public speaking abilities, holding the position of Vice President of Education at the Toastmasters Club of Pune, where she won several awards and represented the club in writing and speech contests at the area level.
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