“If God hadn’t rested on Sunday, He would have had time to finish the world” - Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Nobel Prize for literature in 1982)
In Hindi and Sanskrit, Sunday is called “रविवार” (Ravivaar), which is derived from the Sanskrit words “Ravi” meaning “Sun” and “Vaar” meaning “Day”. So, “Ravivaar” means “Day of the Sun” or “Sun Day”.
The word for Sunday is derived from Ravivara or Adityavara — Aditya and Ravi are both names of Surya – the sun God who is one of the most important deities. Surya is the King of the Planets and the God of the Sun. He is one of the five major deities of Hinduism and the leader of the Navagrahas, or nine planets. In Hindu mythology, Surya is considered the source of light and warmth and is often associated with enlightenment and knowledge.
He is worshiped as Brahma in the morning, Vishnu in the afternoon, and Shiva in the evening. Other names of Surya in ancient Indian literature include Arka, Bhanu, Savitr, Pushan, Martanda, Mitra, Bhaskara, Prabhakara, Kathiravan, and Vivasvan
In Hinduism, Surya is worshipped as a symbol of health, strength, and victory over enemies. He is also associated with the practice of yoga and is believed to help with the purification of the mind and body.
Surya is often depicted as riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, representing the seven colors of the rainbow. He is also often shown holding a lotus flower or a chakra (a discus-like weapon) in his hands. In some depictions, he is shown with his two consorts, Usha and Chhaya.
The significance of the Sun and its association with Sunday is also reflected in the Indian Vedic astrology, where the Sun is regarded as the ruler of the zodiac sign Leo and is said to be the planet that represents individuality and ego. Ravivara is also the first day in Jyotisha.
Sunday is the day of the week between Saturday and Monday. In many parts of the world, it is supposed to be a day of rest and worship. In Christianity is regarded as the Lord’s Day and the day of Christ’s resurrection. In many countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, and the Philippines Sunday is considered to be the first day of the week, while the International Organization for Standardization, based in Switzerland, calls it the seventh day of the week.
Importance of Sunday in human life
Sunday is considered an important day in many cultures and religions around the world. Here are some reasons why Sunday is significant in human life:
Rest and relaxation: Sunday is often considered a day of rest and relaxation, where people take a break from their busy schedules and unwind. Many people use this day to catch up on sleep, spend time with family and friends, or engage in activities that they enjoy.
Religious significance: For many religions, Sunday is considered a holy day, such as for Christians who celebrate it as the day of the Lord’s resurrection. This day is often marked with special religious services, rituals, and observances.
Community and social connections: Sunday is often a day when people gather together for social or community events, such as brunches, picnics, or sports games. It provides an opportunity for people to connect with one another and build relationships.
Personal growth and development: Sunday can also be a day for personal growth and development, such as through meditation, reading, or pursuing a hobby. It can be a time for reflection and introspection, allowing individuals to focus on their personal goals and values.
Sunday can be an important day in human life because it provides an opportunity to recharge, connect with others, and engage in personal growth and development.
Significance of Sunday in different cultures:
Sunday is a day of the week that has different cultural significance in different parts of the world. Here are some examples of how Sunday is observed and celebrated in different cultures:
Christianity: Sunday is considered the Sabbath day and is traditionally a day of rest and worship for Christians. It is the day when most Christian churches hold their weekly worship services.
Judaism: Sunday is not considered a holy day in Judaism. The Jewish Sabbath, or Shabbat, begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday.
Islam: Sunday is not a holy day in Islam. The Muslim holy day is Friday when Muslims attend congregational prayers at the mosque.
Hinduism: In Hinduism, Sunday is associated with the Sun God Surya. Many Hindus offer prayers to Surya on this day.
Buddhism: Sunday is not considered a holy day in Buddhism, but it is an important day for meditation and reflection for many Buddhists.
Chinese culture: In Chinese culture, Sunday is associated with the element of wood and the planet Jupiter. It is considered an auspicious day for weddings and important events.
African culture: In some African cultures, Sunday is a day for communal worship and celebration. It is often a day for traditional dancing, singing, and drumming.
The cultural significance of Sunday varies widely around the world, and many different traditions and practices have developed over time.
Also Read: Are you sleep-deprived? Don’t take it lightly
What is Sunday called in different parts of the world?
Sunday is a day of the week that is known by different names in different parts of the world. Here are some examples:
English-speaking countries: Sunday
Spanish-speaking countries: Domingo
French-speaking countries: Dimanche
Italian-speaking countries: Domenica
German-speaking countries: Sonntag
Portuguese-speaking countries: Domingo
Arabic-speaking countries: الأحد (al-‘ahad)
Russian-speaking countries: Воскресенье (Voskresenye)
Chinese-speaking countries: 星期日 (Xīngqī rì)
Japanese-speaking countries: 日曜日 (Nichiyōbi)
Korean-speaking countries: 일요일 (Ilyoil)
Hindi-speaking countries: रविवार (Ravivaar)
Hebrew-speaking countries: יום ראשון (Yom Rishon)
Turkish-speaking countries: Pazar
These are just a few, there are many more names for Sunday in different languages and regions.
Why do people look forward to Sunday?
People look forward to Sunday for a variety of reasons, depending on their personal preferences and circumstances. Here are some common reasons why people might look forward to Sundays:
Rest and relaxation: Many people have the weekend off from work or school, and Sunday is often the last day of the weekend. This makes it a popular day for people to rest and relax, spend time with family and friends, or pursue hobbies and interests.
Religious observance: Sunday is an important day for many religious communities, including Christians, who traditionally attend church on Sundays.
Social activities: For some people, Sunday is a day for socializing and connecting with others. They may look forward to attending brunches, gatherings, or events with friends and family.
Sports and entertainment: Many people look forward to watching or participating in sports events on Sundays, such as football games or golf matches. Others may look forward to watching their favorite TV shows or movies.
Personal development: Some people use Sundays as a day for personal growth and development, such as by practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga.
To sum up, Sunday is a day for relaxation, rejuvenation, and connecting with loved ones, as well as pursuing personal interests and hobbies. It is a day to recharge and prepare for the upcoming week.
