Wednesday etymology

Etymology:

The name Wednesday comes from Old English "Wōdnesdæg," which means "Wōden's Day."

Meaning and Origin:

  • Wōden: Wōden was the chief god of the Germanic pantheon, known for his association with warfare, wisdom, and death.
  • Day: In Old English, "-dæg" meant "day."

Therefore, Wednesday literally translates to "Wōden's Day," a day dedicated to the worship or recognition of the deity Wōden.

Other Etymologies in Germanic Languages:

Comparable forms of the name Wednesday exist in other Germanic languages:

  • German: Mittwoch (Wotan's Day)
  • Dutch: Woensdag (Wodan's Day)
  • Swedish: Onsdag (Odin's Day)
  • Icelandic: Miðvikudagur (Middle Week Day)

Cultural Significance:

Wednesday has been associated with various symbols, traditions, and beliefs throughout history:

  • Heathenism: A day for offering sacrifices and prayers to Wōden.
  • Christianity: In the Christian tradition, Wednesday is often designated as a day of fasting and penance.
  • Folklore: In some cultures, Wednesday is considered an unlucky day for certain tasks, such as weddings or new ventures.
  • Astronomy: In astrology, Wednesday is associated with the planet Mercury.

Wednesday relate terms

  • Odin

    Etymology The name Odin has its origins in the Proto Germanic language The following

  • hump

    Etymology Middle English humpe from Old English hump a curved back Germanic origi

  • ember days

    Etymology and Meaning of Ember Days The term ember days is derived from the Latin phras

  • quartan

    Etymology Latin quartus fourth Meaning Relating to something that occurs or rec

  • Lent

    Etymology Old English Hlenten Proto Germanic Langitinaz meaning long season M

  • derby

    Etymology Old English derby Proto Germanic derbō Proto Indo European dʰerbh t

  • rogation

    Etymology From Latin rogatio request proposal interrogation from rogare to

  • coach

    Etymology The word coach derives from the Hungarian word kocsi which referred to a