pühapäev

Pühapäev is the Estonian name for Sunday, the seventh day of the week in most contemporary calendars. In Estonia, as in many European countries, the week typically begins on Monday, making pühapäev the final day of the standard workweek. It is commonly associated with rest, family time, and religious observance.

The word combines püha meaning holy or sacred and päev meaning day, yielding “holy day.” Historically, Sunday has been observed as a day of worship in Christian communities, a heritage reflected in the name and in traditional practices associated with the day.

In modern Estonia, patterns of activity on pühapäev vary. Some shops and services operate on reduced hours, while many people attend church services, spend time with family, or engage in leisure activities. Sunday routines often differ from those of the workweek, and the day is commonly regarded as part of the weekend alongside Saturday.

In calendars and everyday language, pühapäev is used to refer to the day itself, distinct from weekdays. The concept of Sunday as a day of rest and worship parallels broader Western Christian traditions, though secular routines and activities are widespread in contemporary Estonian society.