Have you ever wondered about the days of the week and why they have such strange names? Across the Africa and the Middle East, Slavic-speaking countries and Greece, the days are simply named “first”, “second”, etc. or given a name that describes their position within the week, such as “middle”. Why isn’t this the case in English? Drag your mouse over the icons in the picture to find out the meaning of each name and the story behind it.
As in many other things, it all begins in Rome. The Romans were great fans of giving fancy names to everything, and the more, the merrier. With the days of the week, they decided to name each day after a celestial object and the God associated with it: the sun, the moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn.
As the Romans met other people, such as the Saxons and Goths, they had a tendency to draw parallels between their deities and the Germanic pantheon, which resulted in the Germanic people adopting the same week, translating the name of the Gods with their own. If they hadn’t, our week would probably look like this: Sunday, Monday, Marday, Mercreday, Joviday, Venday and Saturday. Who are these gods the days are named after and what’s their story anyway?
Macedonian 3D Artist Puts a Modern Twist on Mythology
Models of ancient gods and figures of myth with a modern twist
The Origins of these 10 Olympic Words is Fascinating
You use these popular sports words all the time. But do you know where they come from?
How Did Humans Determine That One Week Should Have 7 Days?
While certain calendar categorizations can be traced back to scientific origins, what are the origins of the number of days in a week?
History's Unsolved Ghost Photography Mystery
Technology, photography, spirituality. How do they connect? By ghost photography, of course.
Since When Were Horseshoes Considered Lucky?
Sit back for 4 minutes on the history of luck, horseshoes, and everything in-between.
The Extraordinary Origins of 10 Common English Words
In this article, we uncover the extraordinary etymology of 10 common English words, including ‘daisy’, ‘eavesdropper’, and ‘vaccine’.
8 Creative Musical Instruments Made from Natural Materials
Here are some wonderful musical instruments that are made of natural materials.
Mark Twain's Tips For a Better Kind of Life...
Mark Twain was not only a talented writer but a man of wise, witty words. Here are 12 of his best quotes.
These Facts Sound Made Up, But Are Totally Real!
These weird facts may sound completely fake, but we can prove that they’re actually real.
Meet the Genius Who Recorded Humanity's First Sound
Do you know who Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville is? You should!
Watch Andrea Bocelli and His Daughter Perform "Hallelujah"
Watch the legendary singer Andrea Bocelli perform a beautiful rendition of the famous song "Hallelujah" with his little daughter.
Millennials Are Killing These 12 Industries...
The preferences of millennials are destroying dozens of industries. Here are 12 industries that they're killing.
This Magical Shadow Dance Show Will Leave You in Tears
The most beautiful shadow dance performance.
From Ages 7 to 93 these People Share Tips on Ageing Gracefully
Watch people of all ages offer words of wisdom to their younger counterparts.
These Photos Will Help Restore Your Faith in Humanity!
These pictures will surely put a smile on your face, and they may even make you cry tears of happiness. However, most importantly, we hope they inspire you.
Here Are 18 Facts That Are Bound to Blow Your Mind!
Here are 18 amazing facts that you won't be forgetting anytime soon!
Learn Something New Today With These Mind-Blowing Facts
These intriguing facts will teach you something new today.
Do You Remember the Things that Defined the 1950s?
The 1950s marked the beginning of the postwar era, increased prosperity and drastic changes to everyday life. Here are 10 things that defined the 1950s.
12 Beautiful Quotes that'll Make You Smile and Grin
If you want a smile, you've reached the right place...
Can You Guess the Meaning of These 20 Common Surnames?
We kind of take surnames for granted, as they are just passed down to us. But every name has an origin and meaning, and some might surprise you.
14 Movie Recommendations You Won’t Want to Miss
Which films deserve to be added to your watch list? Here are 14 suggestions (with trailers) that are sure to inspire and emote you.
In the West, We Have Much to Learn From the East...
Eastern philosophy is vastly different to Western philosophy, and we all have much to learn from the schools of thought from that part of the world.
7 Fairy Tales That Are Popular to This Very Day!
The best fairy tales are those that are timeless and yet forever modern, tapping into our wildly shared emotions and moral attitudes. Here are 7 of the best!
These Famous Characters Are Based On Real People!
Did you know that certain characters draw heavily on real-life people? Here are 10 iconic characters that were based on people that really existed.
15 Amazing Facts That Knocked Me Over with a Feather
The world always fascinates me and everyday I learn something new. Here are 15 facts and stories to give your brain a real workout. Which of these tidbits blows your mind most?
Your Cat Isn't Weird, It's Just Trying to Say Something
Many cat behaviors have human equivalents, however we often have problems interpreting them. Thanks to this handy guide, you will not anymore!
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" are Much More Than Just Music
In this TED-Ed video, Betsy Schwarm explains just why it is that you should listen to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons."
10 Emmy-Winning Netflix Shows You Don't Wanna Miss...
if you're in need of a binge-worthy series and haven't explored these recommendations yet, prepare to be captivated.
50 Unknown Facts About Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile
Cleopatra is one of the most fascinating figures from history. And there’s still so many things about her you don’t know yet.
17 Extremely Dangerous Foods That Could Kill You!
From toxic fish, to monkey brains, you'll be surprised at what some people would risk just for a taste of these dangerous "delicacies".
10 Mysteries that have Shocked Human History
10 incredible mysteries we know very little about.
These Borders Exist Longer Than the Countries They Divide
International borders are among the most rapidly changing geographical phenomena, but these borders 5 proved to be exceptionally persistent
How Many of These Facts About Common Items Do You Know?
Do you know about these facts for common products?
A Few Beautiful Thoughts About True Friendship...
We should never forget the gift that is true friendship...
You'll Never Guess How These Optical Illusions Work
Here are three incredible optical illusion videos that have taken the internet by storm. Can you solve the mysteries that you're about to see?
Behold the Worst Predictions in History!
Not every prediction is true, and some of them, like the ones on this list - miss the mark by a mile!
Of the Transformative Power of Classical Music...
A fascinating TED talk by Benjamin Zander.
The True Story of Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb
Before you head to the theaters to watch Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, find out the real story of the “father of the atomic bomb”.
Historical Window: Looking at Women Workers in WWI
Women made a significant contribution to the Allied effort during both World Wars. Take a look as these fascinating photos of women at work during WWI.
Amazing! 7 Facts That Have Changed Since Your School Days!
Over time, facts we consider to be completely true can change. Here are 7 facts that have changed since your school days.
Inside the Male Psyche: The Silent Fears They Never Share
There are some things that a man never shares with anyone.
INTERACTIVE: The Musings of Philosophers Through the Ages
The great thinkers have imbued the world with greater knowledge and different perspectives. Learn about what the wisest men in history had to say.
I Wish They Taught Me These Math Tips at School
Bad at math? Learn how to use these quick and easy methods.
10 Incredible Magic Tricks You Didn't Know You Could Do
Time to try out some really cool magic tricks using just your hands...
These Wonderful Shots Are From Many Special Times Gone By
Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing, and these beautiful black and white images reinforce that notion. Jump back into the past with these shots.
16 Really Weird Facts About Famous World Events
Some really weird things happened at the most famous events in world history. Here are 16 really weird facts about famous world events.
WOW! These Men Must Have Nerves of Steel!
Vince Reffet and Noah Bahnson are thrill-seekers who love jumping off mountains. In this breathtaking video, they fly through the Alps.