The days of the week each have their own unique colours associated with them. These colour associations can come from a variety of sources, including culture, tradition, religion, astrology, and more. In this article, we will explore what colours are linked to each day of the week and look at some of the origins and meanings behind these connections. Understanding the coloured symbolism of the days of the week can provide an interesting perspective on how different cultures view time.
Monday
The colour most commonly associated with Monday is yellow. There are a few potential reasons behind this yellow designation:
- In astrology, Monday is ruled by the Moon, which is often represented in light yellow or gold.
- Yellow is associated with fresh starts, energy, and optimism, which connects to the feeling of beginning a new week.
- Monday falls on the first day of the work week for many cultures, so the bright and cheerful yellow helps motivate people for the week ahead.
- In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Monday was the day God created light, separating it from darkness. This light from the first day of creation correlates to the vibrant yellow.
So when you think of Monday, think of the warm glow of yellow sunlight starting a new week.
Tuesday
Tuesday is most associated with the colour red. There are several potential symbolic origins for why Tuesday became linked with red:
- In Greek mythology, Tuesday was named after the god of war Ares, whose symbolic colour was red. This connection to war and bloodshed led to red’s association with Tuesday.
- Tuesday is named after Tyr in Norse mythology. Tyr was the Norse god of combat and heroic glory. The colour red’s link to valor and courage fits Tyr’s role.
- In astrology, Tuesday is ruled by the planet Mars, which is also named after the Roman god of war. Mars’ vivid red colour reinforces the connection between red and Tuesday.
- Tuesday is named after Tiw, the Anglo-Saxon god of dueling and litigation. The colour red represents Tiw’s governance over combat and disputes.
So when you encounter Tuesday, associate it with the passion and energy of the colour red.
Wednesday
The dominant colour associated with Wednesday is green. Here are some potential roots of why green became linked to Wednesdays:
- Wednesday is named after the Norse god Odin, who was heavily associated with wisdom. The colour green often symbolizes learning, growth, and harmony.
- The planet that rules Wednesday in astrology is Mercury. This quick-moving planet was named after the Roman messenger god, who wore a green hat with wings attached.
- Green’s association with renewal and good health led it to be connected to Wednesday, smack in the middle of the work week.
- The Anglo-Saxon called Wednesday “Woden’s day” after Odin. Woden was considered a master magician, and green is a prevalent colour in European folk magic.
So embrace the rejuvenating springtime hue of green on Wednesdays.
Thursday
The colour commonly linked to Thursday is purple or violet. Some potential origins of this association include:
- Thursday relates to Thor in Norse mythology. Thor wore a purple cloak and purple was an esteemed colour in ancient Norse culture.
- The Greek god honoured on Thursday is Jupiter, who was also known as Jove. Jupiter’s imperial purple connections extended to Thursday.
- Thursday is governed by the planet Jupiter in astrology. The largest planet, Jupiter’s greyish violet colour has become Thursday’s signature shade.
- Purple’s royal and spiritual connotations resonate with Jupiter’s role as king of the Roman gods.
When you think of Thursday, reflect on the rich blend of red and blue in regal purple.
Friday
The colour that resonates most with Friday is blue. Here are some ideas on how this connection was established:
- Friday relates to the goddess Venus in Roman mythology. Venus rose from the blue seawater, so her aquatic birth links Friday to blue.
- The planet Venus rules Friday in astrology. Venus’ clear blue colour among the earthly planets ties it directly to Friday.
- Friday is associated with Freya in Norse mythology. Freya was the goddess of love with striking blue eyes. Her amorous connections extend to Friday.
- Friday’s position at the end of the work week may associate it with blue’s calm and peaceful qualities.
When Friday rolls around each week, channel cool blue tones and the relaxed feeling of the impending weekend.
Saturday
The colour that resonates most strongly with Saturday is black. Here are some of the potential origins of connecting black and Saturday:
- Saturday corresponds to Saturn in Roman mythology. Saturn was considered a dark and unlucky god, associated with mortality and the underworld.
- In astrology, Saturday is governed by the planet Saturn. Saturn’s rings appear black from earth, forging the link between black and Saturday.
- The Jewish Sabbath begins Friday at sundown and ends Saturday at nightfall. So Saturday represents the day of rest and cessation from work and worldly concerns.
- Before modern times, black dye was the most affordable and accessible. So Saturday may have been connected to black as an average labourer’s day of rest.
Embrace the reset and recharge power of black on Saturdays.
Sunday
The time-honoured colour of Sunday is gold or yellow. Here are some interpretations of how this sunny colour came to represent Sunday:
- In Christianity, Sunday is the Lord’s Day, devoted to worship and rest. The radiant yellow evokes the light of God and faith.
- Astrologically, Sunday is governed by the Sun. The Sun’s yellow hue literally and symbolically links Sunday with yellow.
- Sunday’s position as the first day of the week connects it to yellow’s uplifting and rejuvenating powers to start everything anew.
- The latin name for Sunday translates to “day of the sun.” Yellow symbolically channels the life-giving light and energy of the sun.
Shine bright in cheery yellow as the weekend winds down and Sunday brings promises of good things ahead.
Conclusion
While the colours associated with the days of the week vary by culture and have evolved over time, common symbolic links connect each colour to its corresponding day. These colourful correlations give each day its own unique energetic identity. Whether you choose to incorporate these colour meanings into your weekly planning or just have a little extra appreciation for each day’s distinct palette, understanding the chromatic symbolism of the days of the week adds an intriguing new lens to think about time, culture, and how we structure our lives.
| Day | Colour |
|---|---|
| Monday | Yellow |
| Tuesday | Red |
| Wednesday | Green |
| Thursday | Purple |
| Friday | Blue |
| Saturday | Black |
| Sunday | Yellow/Gold |
