Written by Sunny
Modified & Updated: 01 Oct 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Ah, Friday! It’s the day of the week we all look forward to, the eve of the weekend, and the close of another work or school week. It’s a universal symbol of relief, joy, and anticipation. But how much do you know about this beloved day? Let’s add some interesting trivia to your Friday feelings and share 18 Friday fun facts.
Friday is Named After a Goddess
Friday was named after the Norse goddess Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, equivalent to Venus in Roman mythology. This gives an entirely new meaning to the term “TGIF” (Thank God It’s Friday)!
The Least Productive Day of the Week
It’s probably no surprise that Friday is often the least productive day of the week. As anticipation for the weekend grows, focus tends to wane. Keep this in mind the next time you’re planning a major project or presentation!
Black Friday
The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the United States. The term “Black Friday” was first used by Philadelphia police in the 1960s to describe the chaos of traffic and pedestrians hitting the streets that day.
Friday the 13th
Many people consider Friday the 13th to be an unlucky day. This superstition is rooted in Christian theology, as Jesus was crucified on a Friday, and there were 13 guests at the Last Supper.
Good Friday
On the other hand, Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, is a significant day in the Christian calendar as it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary.
Casual Friday
Casual Friday, also known as dress-down Friday, is a Western trend where offices relax their dress code for the last day of the workweek. This tradition has its roots in Hawaiian culture and the Aloha Friday movement of the late 1940s.
Friday Weddings in Jewish Tradition
In Jewish tradition, Friday is often chosen for weddings. This is because it’s considered a day of blessings, being the eve of the Sabbath.
The Oldest Friday Tradition
The oldest Friday tradition is likely the Islamic practice of congregational prayer, or Jumu’ah, which has been taking place every Friday afternoon since the time of the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.
Thank Fish It’s Friday
The tradition of eating fish on Fridays is rooted in Christianity. Abstaining from warm-blooded meats on Fridays, particularly during Lent, led to the practice of consuming fish instead. Many restaurants, especially in predominantly Christian countries, still serve special fish menus on Fridays.
Friday in Different Languages
In most languages, Friday’s name is derived either from Freya (like in English) or Venus (like ‘vendredi‘ in French). However, in Turkish, Friday is called “Cuma,” derived from the Arabic word for gathering, reflecting the Islamic Friday prayer tradition.
Fry-Day
Given the popularity of fast food and takeaways on Friday evenings, it could also be called “Fry-Day.
The Famous Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights is an iconic American tradition where high school football games are held on Friday evenings. It’s a social event that goes beyond just the sport, symbolizing local pride and community.
Positive Tweets
According to Twitter, their users are happier on Fridays. The company discovered that there’s a peak in positive tweets on Fridays, particularly in the late afternoon.
“Friday” in Music
Friday has been a popular topic in music, with songs like “Friday I’m in Love” by The Cure, “Friday on My Mind” by The Easybeats, and “Last Friday Night” by Katy Perry. And who could forget the viral phenomenon of Rebecca Black’s song, “Friday”?
Friday in Space
Did you know that on Mars, Friday is called “Sol? The Mars rover team at NASA uses this term, which is derived from the Latin word for “Sun,” to mark a full Martian day.
Friday Birthdays
People born on Fridays are thought to have a naturally sociable nature and a desire for harmony, according to astrology.
Literature’s Famous Friday
One of literature’s famous Fridays is the character from Daniel Defoe’s novel, “Robinson Crusoe.” Friday is Crusoe’s loyal companion whom he rescued from cannibals.
“His Girl Friday”
His Girl Friday” is a famous fast-paced 1940 comedy film starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. The term “His Girl Friday” has since become a slang term for a valued and loyal female assistant.
Conclusion
And there you have it, 18 Friday fun facts that add a little more intrigue and fun to the end of the week. So, the next time Friday rolls around, you’ll have some interesting trivia to share at the water cooler or over your Friday night dinner. Happy Friday, everyone!
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