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Why Is Sunday the First Day of the Week?

Published in Cultural Studies 2 mins read

Sunday is considered the first day of the week in many cultures, particularly those with Christian traditions. This stems from the biblical account of creation, where God rested on the seventh day after completing the work of creation. This day of rest, known as the Sabbath, became a sacred day for Jewish people, and later Christians adopted it as the day to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

However, it's important to note that not every culture considers Sunday the first day of the week. In many parts of the world, Monday is considered the first day. This is often based on the ISO 8601 standard, which defines Monday as the first day of the week for international purposes.

Here's a breakdown of the different perspectives:

Christian Tradition:

  • Biblical Account: The Bible states that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world, making it the first day of the week.
  • Sabbath: This day of rest became a sacred day for Jewish people, and later Christians adopted it as a day of worship and rest.
  • Resurrection of Jesus: Christians also associate Sunday with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, making it a day of celebration and remembrance.

ISO 8601 Standard:

  • International Standard: This standard defines Monday as the first day of the week for international purposes.
  • Business and Administrative Purposes: Many countries, including those in Europe, follow this standard for business and administrative purposes.

Other Cultures:

  • Islamic Culture: Muslims consider Friday as the first day of the week.
  • Hindu Culture: Hindus often follow a lunar calendar, with the first day of the week varying based on the phases of the moon.

Ultimately, the perception of which day is the first day of the week varies depending on cultural and religious beliefs. While Sunday is the first day of the week in many Christian cultures, it's important to recognize that other perspectives exist based on different traditions and standards.

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