NAMES OF THE DAYS OF THE WEEK.
Is it not strange that christians should have been found in the universal use of names of the days of the week, first employed in honor of pagan deities—as the following interesting items of history show?— In the Museum of Berlin, remarks a writer in a Newark cotemporary, in the hall devoted to northern antiquities, they have the representation of the idols from which the names of the days of our week are derived. From the idol of the Sun comes Sunday. This idol is represented with his face like the sun holding a burning wheel, with both hands on his breast, signifying his course round the world. The idol of the Moon, from which comes Monday, is habited in a short coat, like a man, but holding the moon in his hands. Tuisco, from which cometh Tuesday, was one of the most ancient and popular gods of the Germans, and is represented by his garment of skin, according to their peculiar manner of clothing. The third day of the week, dedicated to his worship, comes from Woden, from whence Wednesday, who was a valiant prince among the Saxons. His image was prayed to for victory. Thor, from whence Thursday, is seated on a bed with twelve stars overhead, holding a hammer in the right hand. Frigs, from whence we have Friday, represented with a drawn sword in his right hand, and a bow in his left. He was the giver of peace and plenty. Seater, from whom is Saturday, has the appearance of perfect wretchedness; he is thin-visaged, long-haired, with a long beard. He carries a pail of water in his right hand, wherein are fruits and flowers.