sunday

Sunday is a day of the week that follows Saturday and precedes Monday in most Western calendars. In many countries it is regarded as the first day of the week, while in others it is treated as the last. The name derives from Old English Sunnandæg, meaning “Sun’s day,” reflecting the historical association with the Sun; related forms exist in other Germanic languages. In Romance languages the day is usually named after the Lord (for example Domingo in Spanish, Dimanche in French, Domenica in Italian, Sonntag in German), a reflection of religious influence on naming in those regions.

Religious and cultural significance varies. In Christianity, Sunday is traditionally observed as a day of worship and rest, often called the Lord’s Day, with many churches holding services. Easter Sunday is a notable holiday within Christian communities. In Judaism, the Sabbath is observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, making Sunday a regular weekday in that tradition. In many parts of the world, Sunday is a day off work or school and part of the weekend, while in some countries it is a normal business day or subject to Sunday trading regulations.

Linguistic and cultural variation is widespread. The day’s designation and its position in the week differ by country and calendar system; some calendars treat Sunday as the first day of the week, others as the seventh day. Across languages, the terms for Sunday often reflect either the Sun or religious associations, illustrating the diverse ways societies have integrated the day into timekeeping and daily life.