When Did Sunday Become the First Day of the Week?

Explore the evolution of Sunday as the first day of the week, rooted in early Christian traditions and solidified by Emperor Constantine.

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Sunday was considered the first day of the week in early Christian tradition to honor the resurrection of Jesus, which is believed to have happened on a Sunday. The shift from Saturday (the Sabbath) to Sunday happened gradually, becoming more established around the 1st to 4th centuries AD. This change was solidified by Emperor Constantine in AD 321, who officially declared Sunday a day of rest and worship.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the significance of Sunday in Christianity? Sunday is significant in Christianity as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking it as a day of worship and rest.
  2. Why was Saturday replaced as the first day of the week? Saturday was replaced gradually by Sunday around the 1st to 4th centuries AD, with a formal declaration by Emperor Constantine in AD 321.
  3. What cultures consider Sunday the first day of the week? Many Western cultures and Christian traditions recognize Sunday as the first day of the week, contrasting with some Jewish and Islamic traditions that start the week on Saturday or Sunday.