Sunday: the Sun's Day
Sunday is the seventh day of the week according to the international standard ISO 8601. However, many countries, including the US, Canada, and Japan, count Sunday as the first day of the week.
Sunday is named after the Sun.
Sunday comes after Saturday and before Monday in our modern-day Gregorian Calendar.
Long weekends and bank holidays
Naming Sunday — the Sun’s Day
The English word Sunday is derived from Old English and means “the Sun's day.”
- 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
The First or Last Day?
Sunday is the first day for almost all countries in North and South America. Countries in Europe and Oceania consider Sunday the last day, following the international standard ISO 8601. Some countries start their week on Saturday, making Sunday the second day.
More about the first day of the week
Common Day of Rest
Sunday is a common day off in most western countries and is part of the weekend. It is considered a day of rest in many cultures and religions.
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.