Why Saturday is Called Saturday?

Saturday is the sixth day of the week and is known to be the last day of the traditional workweek in most Western countries. It is a day associated with relaxation, leisure activities, and socializing with friends and family. But have you ever wondered why Saturday is called Saturday? What is the origin and significance behind the name? In this article, we will explore the history and meaning of Saturday.

The history of Saturday can be traced back to ancient times when the seven-day week was first established. The Babylonians, who lived in Mesopotamia in the 2nd millennium BCE, were among the first to use a seven-day cycle for measuring time. They named the days of the week after the seven known planets, which were believed to have astrological and mystical significance.

The Romans later adopted this seven-day cycle, with each day named after a different celestial body.  Saturday is named after the Roman god Saturn, who was the god of agriculture, wealth, and time. Saturn was also associated with the concept of abundance, and many festivals were held in his honor during the agricultural season. In ancient Rome, Saturday was known as Saturni dies, which translates to "Day of Saturn."

Saturn was a major deity in the Roman pantheon, and he was often depicted with a sickle or scythe, which represented the harvesting of crops and the passage of time. In ancient Rome, the festival of Saturnalia was held in December in honor of Saturn, during which time people would exchange gifts, feast, and engage in various forms of revelry.

As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, the seven-day week became widely accepted, and the days of the week were given Christian names. In many languages, including English, the names of the days of the week still reflect their Roman origins. Saturday remained dedicated to Saturn, and its name was unchanged.

In the Middle Ages, Saturday became associated with the Virgin Mary, who was often depicted in religious art holding a spindle or distaff, symbolizing her role as a weaver of fate. In some Christian traditions, Saturday was considered a day of penance and fasting, in preparation for Sunday, the Christian day of rest and worship.

The ancient Greeks also associated Saturday with the god Cronus, who was the father of Zeus and the god of time. Cronus was known for his wisdom and foresight and was often depicted holding a scythe, symbolizing the passage of time. In Greek, Saturday was known as hemera Khronou, which means "Day of Cronus.”

The significance of Saturn and Cronus in the naming of Saturday can be attributed to their association with time and the passage of seasons. In ancient times, people relied heavily on agriculture for their livelihood, and the changing seasons had a significant impact on their lives. Saturday was seen as a day to honor the gods who controlled time and the harvest and to ensure their blessings for the coming season.

Saturday was a considered a sacred day, and no business or public activities were allowed on this day. People would gather to worship Saturn and offer him sacrifices in the hope of receiving his blessings.There are many different groups of people who may not work on Saturdays, depending on their culture, religion, and work schedule. Here are some examples:

1. Jewish people: The Jewish Sabbath is observed from Friday at sunset to Saturday at nightfall, during which time work is prohibited.

2. Seventh-day Adventists: Members of this Christian denomination observe Saturday as the Sabbath and refrain from work on this day.

3. Some Christians: While most Christians observe Sunday as the Sabbath, some Christian denominations, such as the Seventh-day Baptists, observe Saturday as the Sabbath.

4. Muslims: Friday is the holy day for Muslims, and while work is not necessarily prohibited, Friday prayers are an important part of the day and may take precedence over work.

5. Some businesses and government offices: In some countries, businesses and government offices may close on Saturdays or have reduced hours, making it a non-work day for their employees.

6. Some schools and universities: In some cultures, Saturdays are considered part of the weekend, and schools and universities may be closed or have reduced hours on this day.

It's important to note that these groups may not necessarily observe Saturdays as non-work days in all parts of the world, and there may be other factors that influence whether or not people work on Saturdays, such as local laws and customs.

Today, Saturday is widely recognized as a day of rest and leisure in many cultures, with people taking the opportunity to relax, spend time with family and friends, and engage in recreational activities. In many countries, Saturday is part of the weekend, a two-day period dedicated to rest and relaxation. However, the significance of Saturday as a day of worship and religious observance still continues in many cultures and religions around the world.

In conclusion, Saturday is named after the Roman god Saturn and the Greek god Cronus, who were both associated with time, agriculture, and the passage of seasons. The day was considered sacred in ancient times and was a time for people to worship and offer sacrifices to these gods. Today, Saturday has evolved into a day of rest and recreation, and people around the world use this day to relax, socialize, and engage in leisure activities.