Sunday

Sunday is the day of the week that is between Saturday and Monday. It is considered in some calendars to be the first day of the week and for most Christian denominations this day is considered a holy day or a day of rest. However, Sunday is a working day in most Muslim countries and in Israel.

Naming Sunday - Sun’s Day

The English word Sunday is derived from Old English.

• Middle English – Sone(n)day or Sun(nen)day
• Latin – dies solis – “Day of the sun”
• Old English – Sunnandæg  – “day of the sun”
• Old Norse – Sunnundagr
• Ancient Greek – hemera heli(o)u – “day of the sun”

Position in the Week

Sunday is considered the first day of the week according to Jewish and some Christian calendars. This is also the standard format in the United States, Canada and Japan. However, the international standard ISO 8601 considers Sunday to be the seventh and last day of the week. In many cultures and languages, Monday is given a name that means “second day” which makes Sunday to be the first day.

Slavic languages number Monday as the first day, not the second day. Many European countries have calendars that almost always show Monday as the first day of the week.

Significance in Culture

Sunday is the first day Sabbath in some Christian traditions and the Lord’s Day in many. According to the Gospels, it is a day to worship God due to the belief of Christ’s resurrection on a Sunday.

It is considered a day of rest in many countries of the world and is part of the weekend. According to the Hebrew, traditional Christian and Islamic calendars, Sunday is the first day of the week, although the international standard marks it as the seventh and last day of the week.

Sunday is a working day in most Muslim countries and in Israel.

Common Events on Sunday

Many professional sports events are scheduled to play on Sunday such as American football and major League Baseball in the United States. Some club and Premier League football matches, as well as rugby matches and tournaments usually take place on Sundays in the United Kingdom.

Many federal government buildings are closed on Sundays in the United States.