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?
The international standard ISO 8601 counts Sunday as the seventh and last day of the week. However, Sunday is considered the first day of the week in many countries, including the United States, Canada and Japan.
In many cultures and languages, Monday is given a name that means “second day” which makes Sunday to be the first day.
Why does Sunday follow Saturday?
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.