Pankajnath Tiwari :-
It seems like you’re asking for information about the history of Fridays. Fridays have been significant throughout history in various cultures and traditions. Here are some notable aspects related to Fridays:
Origin of the name: The name “Friday” originates from Old English and is derived from the Old Frisian word “Frijadag,” meaning “day of Frigg.” Frigg was a Norse goddess associated with marriage and fertility.
Friday in Christianity: In Christianity, Friday holds significance as the day of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is observed to commemorate his death on the cross.
Superstitions: Friday has been associated with superstitions in some cultures. For example, Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition, leading to various myths and beliefs.
Islamic significance: In Islam, Friday holds special importance as the holy day of the week. Muslims gather for congregational prayers at the mosque on Fridays, and it is known as Jumu’ah.
Casual Fridays: In modern times, “Casual Fridays” has become a widespread practice in workplaces. This tradition originated in Hawaii in the 1940s and later gained popularity globally. It allows employees to dress more casually on Fridays, typically by wearing more relaxed clothing instead of formal business attire.
T.G.I. Friday’s: T.G.I. Friday’s is a well-known American restaurant chain that started in 1965. It became popular for its casual dining atmosphere, happy hour promotions, and the concept of “Thank God It’s Friday” (TGIF), emphasizing the end of the workweek and the start of the weekend.
Astrology and Friday: In astrology, Friday is associated with the planet Venus. Venus is often associated with love, beauty, and harmony, and its influence on Fridays is believed to bring a sense of romance and pleasure.
Black Friday: Black Friday is a term used to describe the day following the American holiday of Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday in November. It marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season in the United States, with many retailers offering significant discounts and promotions. The term “Black Friday” originated in the 1960s, referring to the heavy traffic and chaotic shopping that occurred on this day.
Friday as the end of the workweek: In many cultures, Friday is viewed as the last day of the workweek and is eagerly anticipated as the gateway to the weekend. The phrase “Thank God It’s Friday” (TGIF) became popularized in the late 20th century, expressing relief and excitement for the upcoming weekend leisure time.
Friday as a day of rest: In some countries, Friday is recognized as a day of rest and prayer. For example, in certain predominantly Muslim countries, Friday is observed as a weekly holiday, often known as “Friday prayer day” or “Friday rest day.”
Black Sunday: In history, there have been significant events that occurred on Fridays, such as the devastating dust storms that struck the central United States during the Great Depression in the 1930s. One of the most severe dust storms, known as “Black Sunday,” occurred on April 14, 1935, in the midst of the Dust Bowl era.
Friday in literature and popular culture: Fridays have been mentioned and depicted in various works of literature, film, and other forms of popular culture. For example, the novel “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe features the shipwrecked protagonist finding a companion named Friday. The phrase “Friday night lights” is often used to describe the atmosphere and excitement of high school football games in the United States.
Friday the 13th: Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day by many people in Western cultures. The origins of this superstition are unclear, but it has been associated with various historical events and beliefs. Some theories suggest that it stems from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which is believed to have taken place on a Friday, while others link it to the arrest and execution of the Knights Templar on Friday the 13th in 1307.
Friday as a day of fasting: In certain religious traditions, Fridays are observed as days of fasting. For example, in Christianity, some denominations practice fasting on Fridays to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Islam, it is recommended to fast on Fridays as a voluntary act of worship.
“Thank God It’s Friday” (TGIF) culture: The phrase “Thank God It’s Friday” (TGIF) has become a cultural expression and a symbol of relief and anticipation for the weekend. It has been widely adopted in popular culture, appearing in songs, movies, and television shows as a reflection of the collective desire for leisure and relaxation after a long workweek.
Friday as a day for social activities: Fridays are often associated with socializing, entertainment, and leisure activities. It is a common day for going out with friends, attending parties or events, and enjoying recreational activities. Many restaurants, bars, and clubs offer specials and promotions on Friday nights to attract customers.
Black Friday in financial markets: In financial markets, the term “Black Friday” can refer to a day of major stock market crashes or significant economic downturns. One notable example is “Black Friday” on October 24, 1929, which marked the beginning of the Great Depression in the United States.
Friday as a popular release day: In the entertainment industry, Fridays are often chosen as release days for movies, music albums, and video games. This practice allows for maximum exposure and potential sales over the weekend when people generally have more leisure time.
Friday as a lucky day: While Friday is often associated with superstitions and considered unlucky in some cultures, it is also considered a lucky day in others. For instance, in some traditions, Friday is believed to bring good fortune and success. This contrasting perception highlights the cultural diversity surrounding the interpretation of days of the week.
Friday as a day for protests and activism: Fridays have been chosen as significant days for protests and social movements. For example, “Fridays for Future” is a global climate strike movement started by young activist Greta Thunberg. Participants gather on Fridays to demand action on climate change and environmental issues.
Friday as a day of celebration: Fridays are often associated with celebrations, particularly in anticipation of the weekend. People gather for parties, happy hours, and social events on Friday evenings to unwind and enjoy time with friends and loved ones.
Friday as a day for religious services: Besides the Islamic Jumu’ah prayer mentioned earlier, other religious communities also hold services and gatherings on Fridays. For instance, in some Jewish traditions, Friday evening marks the beginning of Shabbat, a day of rest and worship.
Black Friday in retail tradition: In addition to Black Friday being associated with financial market crashes, it has also become synonymous with the day following the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, when retailers offer major sales and discounts. This tradition has spread to other parts of the world, with consumers flocking to stores or shopping online for deals.
Friday in literature and folklore: Fridays have been referenced in literature and folklore in various ways. For example, Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” begins on a Friday, and in English folklore, it is believed that Friday is a favorable day for important events like weddings.
Friday in the music industry: “Friday” is the title of a popular song by Rebecca Black, which gained significant attention on the internet due to its viral nature. The song’s catchy tune and lyrics about looking forward to the weekend contributed to its widespread popularity.
Friday as a day for religious observances: In addition to the Islamic Jumu’ah prayer and Jewish Shabbat, Fridays hold religious significance in other faiths as well. For example, in Hinduism, Friday is associated with the goddess Shakti, and devotees often observe fasting or perform special prayers on this day.
Friday as a traditional fish day: In many Western cultures, particularly in Christian traditions, Friday has been designated as a day for abstaining from meat, especially during the season of Lent. As a result, fish became a popular alternative, leading to the tradition of “Fish Fridays” where people consume seafood dishes.
Friday as the start of the weekend: In many countries, Friday is considered the beginning of the weekend. It marks the end of the work or school week, and people often look forward to Friday evenings as a time to relax, engage in leisure activities, or spend time with family and friends.
Friday as a day for sporting events: Fridays are frequently chosen for sporting events, particularly in professional sports leagues. It allows fans to attend games or watch them on television without conflicting with weekday obligations. Friday night football matches, for example, are common in many countries.
Famous historical events on Fridays: Several significant historical events have occurred on Fridays. For instance, the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States took place on Friday, July 4, 1776. Additionally, significant historical figures like William Shakespeare and Napoleon Bonaparte were born on Fridays.
Friday as a day for reflection and planning: Many individuals and organizations use Fridays as a time for reflection on the past week and planning for the upcoming week. It’s a day to review accomplishments, set goals, and prepare for the next phase.
Friday as a popular day for weddings: In many cultures, Friday is a popular day for weddings. Couples often choose Fridays as it allows for a weekend celebration, providing more time for guests to attend and participate in the festivities.
Friday as a day for cultural activities: Many museums, galleries, and cultural institutions have special events, exhibitions, or discounted admission rates on Fridays. This encourages people to engage in cultural experiences and explore arts and heritage.
