Why Is Sunday Considered the First Day of the Week in Some Countries?

Explore why certain countries start the week on Sunday, influenced by cultural, religious, and historical factors.

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Some countries have Sunday as the first day of the week due to cultural, religious, or historical reasons. For example, in Christianity, Sunday is considered the day of rest and worship, reflecting the biblical creation story. In the United States, scheduling and calendars often start with Sunday to align with these traditions. The choice can vary, but it largely depends on the societal and religious context of the country.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why do some cultures start the week on Monday instead of Sunday? Many cultures, particularly in Europe, begin the week on Monday based on the ISO 8601 standard, prioritizing the workweek's start.
  2. What does the Bible say about the Sabbath? In Christianity, the Sabbath is traditionally observed on Sunday, marking it as a day of rest and worship, as referenced in the biblical creation story.
  3. How do different countries define the first day of the week? The definition varies widely; for instance, in much of the Middle East, Saturday is seen as the first day, while in places like the US, Sunday holds that position.

Watch More

To further explore the impact of cultural practices on timekeeping, check out our videos on 'Weekday Traditions Around the Globe' and 'How Different Cultures Perceive Time'.

  1. Which Countries Recognize Sunday as the First Day of the Week? Discover which countries consider Sunday as the first day of the week and the cultural reasons behind it.