The days of the week each have their own unique color associated with them. These color codes help visually distinguish and identify the days. Knowing the color code for each day can be useful in calendars, planners, visual timetables and schedules. In this article, we will explore the commonly accepted color codes for the 7 days of the week and look at how they are used.
Background
The tradition of associating colors with the days of the week dates back centuries. In the ancient world, the seven days were named after the seven celestial bodies known to the ancients – the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. Each of these astronomical bodies was also associated with colors based on their appearence and astrological qualities. Over time, the day names and colors became standardized across cultures.
While there are some variations, the most common colors used today for each day are:
| Day | Color |
|---|---|
| Monday | Yellow |
| Tuesday | Orange |
| Wednesday | Green |
| Thursday | Purple |
| Friday | Blue |
| Saturday | Pink |
| Sunday | Red |
Let’s look at each of these color associations in more detail.
Monday – Yellow
Monday is associated with the color yellow. In astrology, yellow is linked to the planet Mercury, which governs Monday. Mercury was considered the messenger god in Roman mythology due to its swift movements. The vibrant yellow hue evokes this sense of speed and movement, an auspicious way to start the week.
Psychologically, yellow is associated with fresh starts, optimism and clarity. Using yellow on Mondays represents a bright beginning to the work week, stimulating mental focus, productivity and energy. In color psychology, yellow can also denote wisdom and intellect.
Tuesday – Orange
The color assigned to Tuesday is orange. This is inspired by the fiery red planet Mars, which rules this day of the week. In Roman mythology, Mars was the god of war, associated with passion, aggression and courage. Orange contains hints of bold red blended with cheerful yellow, representing Mars’ fiery warrior energy combined with optimistic vitality.
Orange is often considered an uplifting, enthusiastic color, perfect for the second day of the week. It signifies adventure, social communication and creativity. Orange can boost mood and mental stimulation. Many feel it adds a playful quality to Tuesdays.
Wednesday – Green
Wednesday’s color is green, derived from the cool hued planet Mercury which has dominion over this day. As mentioned, Mercury governed communication and intellect. Green has long been associated with learning, growth, harmony and balance. Using green for Wednesday evokes scholarly pursuits and education.
Green is considered a restful, peaceful color with links to nature. Having reached the midpoint of the working week, green introduces a welcome sense of renewal and tranquility. It offers a break from the high energy hues of Monday and Tuesday. The rejuvenating properties of green may enhance wellbeing and focus on Wednesdays.
Thursday – Purple
Thursday is represented by the regal color purple, ruled by mighty Jupiter. Jupiter was considered the king of Roman gods, associated with authority, prosperity and balance. Rich purple has noble, spiritual connotations – perfect for the majestic planet Jupiter.
The splash of purple helps distinguish Thursday from the other workweek days. Psychologically, purple elicits imagination, creativity and wisdom. There are also calming properties of purple that may provide a sense of relaxation as the week draws closer to the weekend. Overall, purple gives Thursdays an air of luxury, royalty and ambition.
Friday – Blue
Friday is ruled by the planet Venus and associated with the color blue. Venus was the Roman goddess of beauty, love and prosperity. Her gorgeous blue conjures visions of serenity, harmony and extravagance. The laidback blue hue perfectly captures the free, weekend vibe of Fridays.
Blue has a soothing, peaceful effect on mood and mindset. Using blue at the end of the workweek evokes feelings of tranquility, satisfaction and accomplishment. It also represents new beginnings, as Friday transitions from work to leisure. The cool azure shade restores clarity and openness to welcome the weekend.
Saturday – Pink
The whimsical color chosen for Saturdays is pink, echoing the influence of its planetary ruler Venus. As the goddess of love and relationships, Venus’ pale pink speaks of romance, charm and affection. The soft, feminine energy of pink suits the sensual nature of Venus and the relaxing pace of Saturdays perfectly.
Psychologically, pink cultivates sweetness, hope and fun. After a hectic work week, a splash of pink restores childlike joy to help recharge batteries. Pink may inspire leisurely pursuits – spending time with loved ones, personal hobbies and passion projects. Using pink on Saturdays encourages self care and quality time.
Sunday – Red
Sunday is represented by the vibrant color red, exemplifying its ruler – the blazing fire of the Sun. In Roman mythology the Sun represented truth, passion and renewal, similar to the bold red shade. Red is also connected to the heart, pulse and life force.
As the day of rest at the end of the week, red brings action and vigor after lazy Saturdays. It stimulates excitement, encouragement and motivation to be productive. Red also symbolizes beginnings – from Sunday emerges a new week. The lively color helps transition from weekend back to work mode.
Contemporary Usage
While the origins of the weekday colors are ancient, they continue to be widely used in modern society. Their synergy of symbolism, astrology, psychology and aesthetics has resonated across cultures and centuries.
Today the color codes are commonly seen in calendars, schedule planners, bullet journals and time management systems. They provide visual structure to organize activities and events by weekday. Using the color system can enhance time/task tracking, long-term planning and productivity.
The color coded days are also prevalent in graphic design, web interfaces, stationery, artwork and educational materials. For example, Google Calendar displays each day with the traditional color scheme. Schools often use these colors on timetables and resources focusing on days of the week. It’s a fun way to help children learn.
Some progressive corporations have started color coding work uniforms by day of the week. Catering to visual learners, this makes it quicker for staff to identify their schedule. Hospitals, retail outlets, hospitality brands and more are adopting this concept.
Conclusion
While simple in concept, color coding the weekdays has proved enduringly popular across history. The tradition originated with ancient astrological and mythological associations, which still feel relevant in modern contexts. The color symbols speak to our emotions, mindset and energy levels as the week’s rhythm unfolds. Whether for practical organization or aesthetic appeal, expect these vivid hues to continue brightening up our weeks.