Brief Sketch of the Saxon Idols from which the Days of the Week received their Names.
By Sel.
THE idols which our Saxon ancestors worshiped, and from which the days of the week derive their names, were various; and were the principal objects of their adoration. This idol, which represented the glorious luminary of the day, was the chief object of their adoration. It is described like the bust of a man, set upon a pillar, holding, with outstretched arms, a burning wheel before his breast. The first day of the week was especially dedicated to its adoration, which they termed the Sun's Daeg; hence is derived the word Sunday. The next was the Idol of the Moon, which they worshiped on the second day of the week called by them Moon's Daeg; and since by us, Monday. The form of this idol is intended to represent a woman, habited in a short coat, and a hood, and two long ears. The moon which she holds in her hand, designates the quality. Tuisco was at first deified as the father and ruler of the Teutonic race, but in course of time he was worshiped as the son of the earth. From this came the Saxon words, Tuisco's daeg, which we call Tuesday. He is represented standing on a pedestal, as an old, venerable sage, clothed in the skin of an animal, and holding a sceptre in the right hand. Woden, or Odin, was the supreme divinity of the Northern nations. This hero is supposed to have emigrated from the East, but from what country, or at what time, is not known. His exploits form the greatest part of the mythological creed of the Northern nations, and his achievements are magnificent beyond all credibility. The name of the fourth day of the week, called by the Saxons Woden's daeg, and by us Wednesday, is derived from this personage. Woden is represented in a bold and martial attitude, clad in armor, with a broad sword, uplifted, in his right hand. Thor, the eldest and bravest of the sons of Woden and Friga, was after his parents, considered as the greatest god among the Saxons and Danes. To him the fifth day of the week, called by them Thor's daeg, and by us Thursday, was consecrated. Thor is represented as sitting on a throne, with a crown of gold on his head, adorned with a circle in front, wherein were set twelve bright burnished gold stars, and with a regal sceptre in his right hand. Friga, or Frea, was the wife of Woden, or Odin; and, next to him, the most revered divinity among the heathen Saxons, Danes and other Northern nations. In the most ancient times, Friga, or Frea, 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 daeg, corresponding with our Friday. Friga is represented with a drawn sword in her right hand, and a bow in her left. The Idol Seater is represented on a pedestal170whereon is placed a perch, on the sharp prickled back of which he stood. His head was uncovered, and his visage lean. In his left hand he held up a wheel, and in his right hand was a pail of water, wherein were flowers and fruits; and his dress consisted of a long coat, girded with linen. The appellation given to the day of his celebration is still retained. The Saxons named it Seater's daeg, which we call Saturday.—Sel.