Monday

Galileo moon phases

Máni and Sól by Lorenz Frølich

PostcardMondayMorningInNewYorkCity1907

Monday is the day of the week between Sunday and Tuesday. According to the International Organization for Standardization's ISO 8601 standard, Monday is considered the first day of the week. The name of Monday is derived from Old English Mōnandæg and Middle English Monenday, originally a translation of Latin dies Lunae which means "day of the Moon".

Etymology

The English word for Monday is derived from Old English Mōnandæg, which literally means "Moon's day". This is similar to the Latin name dies Lunae, from which the names for Monday in the Romance languages are derived, such as lunes in Spanish, lundi in French, and lunedì in Italian. The connection between the day and the Moon is also reflected in other Germanic languages, such as Montag in German and maandag in Dutch.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, Monday is considered the first day of the week. This aligns with the international standard ISO 8601. However, in some cultures, particularly in those where the calendar is influenced by Christian tradition, Sunday is regarded as the first day of the week and Monday is the second day. The perception of Monday often carries a negative connotation, as it marks the end of the weekend and the beginning of the workweek for many people around the world.

Religious Observances

In Christianity, there are no specific religious observances that take place regularly on Monday, unlike other days of the week like Friday or Sunday. However, some Christian denominations may hold prayer meetings or other church services on this day.

In Judaism, Monday is a fast day known as Bahab (an acronym for Monday, Thursday, Monday), occurring twice a year following Passover and Sukkot.

Cultural References

Monday is often represented in popular culture as a day of dread or reluctance, as it signifies the return to the daily routine and work or school obligations after the weekend. This sentiment is reflected in songs, movies, and literature, where Monday is frequently depicted as challenging or unwelcome.

Astrological Significance

In astrology, Monday is associated with the Moon. People born on Mondays are said to be influenced by the Moon's characteristics, such as emotions, intuition, and changes. The Moon is also associated with femininity and motherhood in astrology.

In the Workplace

The concept of Blue Monday refers to the idea that Monday is the most depressing day of the week due to it being the first day back at work or school. This concept, however, is not supported by scientific evidence and is considered a myth.

Holidays on a Monday

Several public holidays and observances fall on a Monday. For example, in the United States, Memorial Day and Labor Day are observed on the last Monday of May and the first Monday of September, respectively. This scheduling creates long weekends, which are often associated with leisure activities and travel.

See Also

• Week
• Sunday
• Tuesday
• Blue Monday (date)