Friday

Friday: The Fifth or Sixth Day of the Week

Is Friday your favorite day of the week? Or do you dread it as the last working day before the weekend? In different parts of the world, this day holds various meanings and significance. From being considered unlucky to lucky, let’s explore how Friday is perceived in different cultures.

The Name ‘Friday’: A Linguistic Journey

In Western countries, Friday marks the end of the workweek, while in Iran, it’s the first day of the weekend. The name itself has a fascinating etymology. In Old English, Friday was known as frīġedæġ, which literally translates to ‘the day of Frig,’ associating this day with the Nordic goddess Freya. Interestingly, in the Korean language, Friday is called 금요일 (geumyoil), while in Chinese, it’s 星期五 (xīngqíwǔ) meaning “fifth day of the week.” In Nahuatl, a native language of Mexico, Friday is quetzalcōātōnal, which means ‘day of Quetzalcoatl,’ the feathered serpent god.

Friday: A Day of Luck or Unluckiness

In some cultures, Friday is considered unlucky. The superstition that makes it an ill-omened day for sailing is known as the Dies Infaustus. This belief has led to the infamous Friday the 13th and even Friday the 17th being doubly unlucky due to their conjunction with the numbers thirteen and seventeen.

However, in Hispanic, Greek, and Scottish Gaelic cultures, Fridays are considered lucky, especially for sowing seeds on Good Friday. In astrology, Friday is connected with Venus and symbolized by its planet’s symbol ♀. It’s also associated with Libra and Taurus astrological signs.

Friday in Christianity: A Day of Fasting and Reflection

In the Christian tradition, Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion. This day is observed by fasting and abstinence from meat, lacticinia (dairy products), and alcohol on Fridays. The Roman Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays led to the invention of the Filet-O-Fish in 1962. Abstinence and fasting are also required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

The Episcopal Conference can determine specific ways to observe fasting and abstinence, which may include works of charity and exercises of piety. The Book of Common Prayer prescribes weekly Friday fasting and abstinence from meat for all Anglicans. Methodists are similarly required to fast and abstain from meat on all Fridays of the year.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Fridays (and Wednesdays) are considered fast days throughout the year. Fasting entails abstinence from meat or meat products, poultry, dairy products, and fish, unless a feast day occurs on a Friday. On Fridays, Orthodox Christians also abstain from using oil in their cooking and alcoholic beverages.

Friday in Other Religions: A Day of Communion and Worship

In Hinduism, special forms of worship are observed on Fridays, especially for married ladies who worship specific goddesses. In Islam, Friday is considered the day of communion and praying together at a mosque (Masjid). The week begins on Saturday and ends on Friday in most Islamic countries. In some places, Friday is the first weekend day, with Muslims recommended not to fast on Fridays unless accompanied by other fasting days or part of their usual habits.

The day holds significance for Muslims as ‘Syed-ul-Ayyam’ (King of Days). Other notable Fridays include Black Friday (historical disasters), Casual Friday (relaxing formal dress code), Good Friday (Christian liturgical calendar), Jumu’atul-Wida (Islam’s farewell to Ramadan), Greta Thunberg’s School strike for climate, and Fridays in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Friday: A Day with Diverse Meanings

In Slavic countries, Friday is called ‘Fifth Day.’ Quakers traditionally refer to it as ‘Sixth Day’ and eschew its pagan origins. In some cultures, Fridays are considered the best day of the week, while in others, they hold a special significance during specific times like the start or end of religious observances.

From being the last working day before the weekend to a day of fasting and reflection, Friday is a multifaceted day with rich cultural and spiritual meanings. Whether you see it as lucky or unlucky, one thing is certain: Friday continues to play an important role in our lives.