Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1868-01-01

/ IHE DAYS OF THE WEEK.-AS the NJ W
year is here, and calendars and almanacs
already being distributed, the following
derivation of the days of the week will be
read with interest and should be preserved.
The idols which our Saxon ancestors wor-
shipped, and from which the days of the
week derive their names, were various, and
the chief objects of their alteration:
THE IDOL OF THE SUN.-This idol, which
represented the glorious luminary of the
1t is described like the bust of man set
upon pillar, holding with outstretched
arms burning wheel before his breast
The first day OF the week was especially
dedicated to its alteration, which they term
ed the Suns Dedg hence is derived the
word Sunday.
The IDOL OF THE MooN.-The next was
the idol Of the Moon, which they worship
ed on the second day of the week, called
by them Moons Deag-and since by US
Monday. the form of this idol is intended
to represent woman, hahited in short
coat and hood, and two long ears. The
moon which she holds in her hand desig-
mates the quality.
The IDOL OF TUIsco.-Tuisco was at first
defined as the father and ruler of the Teu
tonic race. but in course of time he was
worshiped as the son of earth. From this
came the Saxon words, Tuisco Dedg, which
we call Tuesday. He is represented stand
ing on pedestal, as an old venerable sage,
clothed in the skin of an animal, and hold
ing a scepter in the right hand.
The IDOL OF WOODEN, OR ODIN.-Woden.
or Odin, was one of the supreme divinitie>
of the Northern nations. This hero is
supposed to have emigrated from the East.
but from what country or at what time g
not kno own. His exploits form the greater
part of the my thOlog gical creed of the North
ern nations, and his achievements are mag
niticent beyond all credibility. The name
of the fourth day in the week, called by
the Saxons WOden.s Deag, and by US
Wednesday, is derived from this parsonage.
Wooden is represented in bold and mar
tial attitude, clad in armor, with a broad
sword uplifted in his right hand.
The IDOL THOR.3Thor was the eldest
and bravest of the sons of Wooden and Friga,
and was, after his parents, considered the
greatest god among the Saxons and Danes.
To him the fifth day of the week, called by
them 1hors Dedg. and by us Thursday, was
consecrated. Thor is represented as Sit
ting on a throne, with a crown of gold on
his head, adorned with circle in front,
wherein were set twelve bright, FURNISHED
gold stars, and with a regal scepter in his
right hand.
The IDOL OF FRIGA, OR FREGA-Friga, or
Frega, was the wife of Wooden, or Odin, and,
next to him, the most reverend divinity
| among the heather SaXons, Danes and
other northern nations. In the most an
cient times, Friga, or Frega, was the same
with the goddess Hertha, or Earth. To her
the sixth day of the week was consecrated,
which by the Saxons was written Friga's
Dedg, corresponding with our Friday
| Friga is represented with a drawn sword in
her right hand, and bow in her left.
i THE IDOL SEArER.-The Idol Scatter is
represented on pedestal, whereon
placed perch, Oh the sharp prickled bact
4 of which he stood. His head was uncov
cred, and his visage lean. In his left hant
was pail of water, wherein were flowers
and fruits, and his dress consisted of lon.
coat. girded with linen. The appellatior
given to the day of his celebration is still
retained. The Saxons named it Scatter!
Deag, which we call Saturday. Thus tn,
days of our week are derived from heather
ideas and heather worship.