27 Fun Facts About Thursday That You Should Know
1. Thursday is named after the Norse god Thor, who is associated with thunder and lightning.
Thursday derives its name from Thor, the Norse god of thunder and lightning. The English name for Thursday comes from the Old English word “Þunresdæg,” meaning Thor’s day.
Thor was known for his strength and his ability to control the weather, and his day was considered a time to pay homage to his power.
In Norse mythology, Thor is depicted as a giant slayer and a protector of mankind. The day of Thursday is still associated with Thor in modern culture, and he is often referenced in popular media and entertainment.
2. In some languages, Thursday is named after Jupiter, the Roman god of the sky and thunder.
Thursday is known as Jupiter’s day in many Romance languages, including French, Italian, and Spanish. This is because Thursday was named after the Roman god Jupiter, who was associated with the sky and thunder.
Jupiter was also considered the king of the gods, and his day was seen as a time to honor his power and authority.
In many cultures, Jupiter was associated with good fortune and prosperity, and Thursday was considered a lucky day for starting new ventures and making important decisions.
3. The word Thursday comes from the Old English word Þunresdæg. Which on one of the fun facts about Thursday.
The English name for Thursday comes from the Old English word Þunresdæg, which means Thor’s day. This word was used in reference to the Norse god Thor, who was associated with thunder and lightning.
Over time, the word “Thursday” became the standard term for the fourth day of the week in the English language.
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was released in the UK on a Thursday in 1997.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which was published in the United Kingdom by Bloomsbury on June 26, 1997, debuted on a Thursday. The following year, Scholastic Corporation released it in the United States.
It quickly captured the hearts of readers all over the world after winning numerous awards in both countries, including several prestigious British book awards judged by children.
5. In Christianity, Thursday is known as Maundy Thursday.
In Christianity, Thursday is known as Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples before his crucifixion.
The word “maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning “commandment,” in reference to the new commandment that Jesus gave to his disciples during the Last Supper.
Maundy Thursday is often celebrated with special services and rituals, such as foot-washing ceremonies and the sharing of bread and wine.
6. Black Thursday, on October 24, 1929, kicked off the Great Depression, a really big deal in economic history.
Black Thursday, occurring on October 24, 1929, marked the onset of the Great Depression, a significant event in economic history. The stock market crash led to widespread financial devastation, triggering a decade-long economic downturn.
It profoundly impacted millions of lives globally, reshaping financial policies and attitudes towards investing for generations to come.
7. In the USSR (the 1970s-80s), Thursdays were known as Fish Day.
During the 1970s and 1980s in the Soviet Union, Thursdays were designated as Fish Day, with the goal of diversifying diets and promoting the fish industry. This tradition arose from Anastas Mikoyan’s initiative in the 1930s to address meat shortages and promote healthier eating practices.
Thursdays were chosen strategically to coincide with Orthodox fasting traditions, reinforcing the cultural significance of Fish Day and influencing consumption habits. Today, the legacy of Fish Day lives on, with fond memories of traditional Soviet fish dishes such as cod liver salad.
8. Thursday’s astrological sign is Sagittarius.
Thursday is associated with the astrological sign Sagittarius, representing those born between November 22nd and December 21st. Sagittarians are often described as adventurous, optimistic, and philosophical individuals.
Their ruling planet is Jupiter, which embodies expansion, luck, and abundance. People born under this sign are known for their love of freedom, exploration, and intellectual pursuits.
9. In Some European countries, Thursday is occasionally called Student’s Day.
Thursday is sometimes referred to as Student’s Day in many European countries because of the frequency with which exams and lectures are held.
Universities and schools frequently schedule important academic events on Thursdays, forcing students to work long hours to study and prepare.
10. The Japanese word for Thursday is mokuyobi, which means wood day.
The Japanese word for Thursday is “mokuyobi,” which means “wood day.” This is because each day of the week in Japan is associated with one of the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
Thursday is associated with the element of wood, which is symbolic of growth, flexibility, and resilience.
11. In Thailand, Thursday is associated with the color orange.
In Thailand, Thursday is associated with the color orange, which is the color of the robe worn by Buddhist monks.
Many Thai people visit temples on Thursdays to offer food and other offerings to the monks as a way of making merit and seeking good luck.
12. Why is Ascension Thursday 40 days after Easter?
The timing of Ascension Thursday, 40 days after Easter, is deliberate. The biblical narrative and symbolism underpin it. First, in the Bible, 40 symbolizes completion, transformation, and new beginnings. As the Israelites wandered for 40 years, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness.
Second, for 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus guided and prepared his disciples for their mission, according to Acts. He ascended into heaven on the 40th day, ending his physical presence on Earth.
Early Christians commemorated this event on the 40th day, marking the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of a new era with the Holy Spirit. Thursday celebrations have been around for centuries and stem from the Bible.
13. In Russia, Thursday is associated with the planet Jupiter and is considered a day for good fortune.
In Russia, Thursday is associated with the planet Jupiter and is considered a day for good fortune.
Many Russian people believe that if something important is planned on a Thursday, it is more likely to be successful.
Thursdays are also seen as a good day to make important decisions or to start new ventures.
14. Estonians didn’t work on Thursdays.
Estonians traditionally refrained from working on Thursdays and referred to Thursday nights as evenings of Tooru. This practice stemmed from an old belief that Thursdays were particularly auspicious for magical or spiritual activities, and it was seen as a time for rest and reflection.
Additionally, in Estonian folklore, Tooru (also known as Thor) was associated with Thursdays, further influencing the cultural significance of the day.
15. In the 1950s and 1960s, some American high schools associated wearing green on Thursdays with being queer.
During the 1950s and 1960s, certain American high schools perpetuated the belief that wearing green on Thursdays was indicative of being queer.
This belief stemmed from rumored associations between specific colors and sexual orientation, reflecting societal attitudes of the time.
Such perceptions, though not universal, contributed to the stigmatization and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during that era.
16. In Thailand, university graduation ceremonies typically happen on Thursdays.
In Thailand, university graduation ceremonies usually take place on Thursdays. This tradition is deeply ingrained in Thai culture and has practical reasons as well, such as ensuring that families and friends can attend the ceremonies without conflicting with their work schedules.
Additionally, Thursdays are considered auspicious days in Thai astrology, adding a cultural significance to the choice of this weekday for such important events.
17. In the United States, Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
In the United States, Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This national holiday is a time for families and friends to come together and give thanks for their blessings.
18. In Ethiopian culture, Thursday is considered the day of the holy spirit and is known as Hamus.
In Ethiopian culture, Thursday is considered the day of the holy spirit and is known as Hamus.
Many Ethiopian Orthodox Christians attend church on Thursdays to honor the Holy Spirit and seek blessings. Thursday is also seen as a day of spiritual reflection and renewal.
19. The ancient Mayan calendar had a 13-day week, with Thursday represented by the rain god Chac’s glyph.
The ancient Mayan calendar had a 13-day week, and Thursday was represented by the glyph for the god Chac, the god of rain and thunder.
The Mayans believed that Chac was responsible for providing water for their crops, making Thursday an important day for agriculture and fertility.
20. Leonardo Da Vinci was born on Thursday, April 15, 1452.
Leonardo Da Vinci, one of history’s most renowned polymaths, was born on Thursday, April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy. A true Renaissance man, he excelled as a painter, sculptor, architect, scientist, and inventor.
Da Vinci’s remarkable contributions include iconic artworks such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, as well as groundbreaking studies in anatomy, engineering, and aviation. His insatiable curiosity and innovative thinking continue to inspire generations, cementing his legacy as one of humanity’s greatest minds.
21. The United States declared its independence on a Thursday.
“Thursday marked the birth of a nation as the United States declared its independence.”
The United States declared its independence from Great Britain on Thursday, July 4, 1776. This historic event, known as the Declaration of Independence, marked the birth of a new nation founded on principles of freedom and self-governance.
22. In the Philippines, Thursday is associated with the color green and is believed to bring good luck in financial matters.
In the Philippines, Thursday is associated with the color green, which is believed to bring good luck in financial matters.
Many Filipinos wear green clothes or accessories on Thursdays to attract prosperity and good fortune.
23. In India, Thursday is referred to as Guruvara, signifying the Day of the Guru.
In India, Thursday holds special significance as Guruvara, symbolizing the Day of the Guru. This designation aligns with the country’s cultural and spiritual traditions, where gurus, or spiritual teachers, play a crucial role in guiding individuals toward enlightenment and self-realization.
Thursdays are chosen as a day to honor and pay homage to these revered figures due to their association with Jupiter, the ruling planet believed to govern wisdom, knowledge, and spirituality in Hindu astrology.
24. What is Thursday night football?
Thursday Night Football is a weekly NFL game held on Thursday evenings throughout the football season. It features matchups between various teams and is broadcast nationally on television networks like NFL Network, Fox, and Amazon Prime Video.
This primetime event offers fans an additional opportunity to enjoy professional football outside of the traditional Sunday schedule.
25. Thursday Rosary is a Catholic tradition of praying the Rosary, specifically on Thursdays.
Every Thursday, Catholics embark on a spiritual journey through the Rosary, focusing on the Luminous Mysteries. These contemplations delve into Christ’s public life, reflecting on key moments like his Baptism, Wedding at Cana, Transfiguration, and Institution of the Eucharist.
This Thursday tradition isn’t just about reciting prayers; it’s about meditating on Jesus’ teachings, actions, and miracles, seeking personal growth and a deeper connection with his message.
26. In Mexico, Thursday is known as Jueves de Corpus.
In Mexico, Thursday is known as Jueves de Corpus and is celebrated as part of the Corpus Christi festival, a religious holiday that honors the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
The day is marked by processions and other religious ceremonies and is an important occasion for Mexican Catholics.
27. The Commodore 64 was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on Thursday, January 7, 1982.
The Commodore 64, introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on Thursday, January 7, 1982, stands as a monumental achievement in computing history.
This legendary home computer holds the prestigious Guinness World Record for the highest-selling single computer model, with estimated global sales ranging from 10 to 17 million units.
FAQS
Well, legend has it that it’s named after the Norse God Thor, who was associated with thunder and lightning. So, it’s safe to say that Thursday is pretty thor-some.
While Thursday is not typically recognized as a national holiday, there are some countries where it holds cultural or religious significance. For example, in India, Thursday is associated with the Hindu God Vishnu and is considered an auspicious day for many religious ceremonies.
Thursday is often seen as a precursor to Friday, which is traditionally viewed as the start of the weekend. As such, Thursday is sometimes called “Little Friday” because it is seen as a sort of “pre-weekend” day.
Yes, there are several notable events and holidays that fall on a Thursday each year, including Thanksgiving in the United States, Ascension Day in many Christian traditions, and World Health Day, which is observed annually on April 7th.
Thursday is often viewed as an ideal day for business meetings or job interviews, as it falls in the middle of the work week and allows for ample time to follow up and make decisions before the weekend. Additionally, many people are more alert and focused on Thursdays than on Mondays or Tuesdays, when they may still be recovering from the weekend.
