Have you ever wondered why some countries start their week on Sunday, while others start on Monday? The answer lies in the historical and cultural differences between nations. In this article, we will explore which countries begin their week on Sunday and why.
Why Sunday?
Sunday is considered the first day of the week in many cultures because it is the day of rest in the Christian religion. According to the Bible, God rested on the seventh day, which is Saturday, but Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Sunday, making it a holy day of worship and rest.
Many countries with a Christian heritage, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, start their week on Sunday. In these countries, Sunday is also a traditional day for family gatherings, church services, and leisure activities.
The Middle East and Africa
In the Middle East and Africa, the workweek typically starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday, with Friday and Saturday being the weekend. This is because Friday is the holy day in Islam, and most Muslim countries have adopted the Friday-Saturday weekend to accommodate this religious observance.
Israel is an exception to this rule, as the country observes the Jewish Sabbath, which begins on Friday evening and ends on Saturday evening. Therefore, the workweek in Israel starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday.
Asia
Most Asian countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea, start their week on Monday. This is because they follow the international standard ISO 8601, which designates Monday as the first day of the week.
India is an exception to this rule, as Sunday is considered the first day of the week in the Hindu calendar. However, for official purposes, the Indian government follows the international standard and starts the workweek on Monday.
Europe
Most European countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, start their week on Monday. However, in some countries, such as Greece and Cyprus, Sunday is considered the first day of the week.
In Russia, the workweek starts on Monday, but Sunday is still regarded as a day of rest and is traditionally a day for family gatherings and leisure activities.
In Conclusion
As you can see, the choice of which day to start the week varies depending on cultural, historical, and religious factors. While Sunday is the first day of the week in many countries with a Christian heritage, it is not universally observed.
Knowing which countries start their week on Sunday can be useful when planning international business or travel. Understanding the cultural differences between nations can help you navigate social customs and respect local traditions.