Four Fun Facts about Friday to Kick Off the Weekend

Friday is the much-loved gateway to the weekend, embraced by many for its promise of fun and relaxation. Yet, under the surface, there's a lot more to this day that many may not know.

There's a wealth of information surrounding Friday, the day most are thankful for because it marks the last day of the work week and ushers in the weekend.

From its Norse mythology origins to the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th and the paradox of reduced productivity, Friday holds many fascinating facts. That said, here are four fun facts you may not know yet about this much-awaited day.

Tiny letter tiles forming the word "Friday" | Source: Pexels

1. Friday is named after a Norse goddess.

Friday gets its name from the Norse goddess Freya, linked to love, beauty, and fertility—echoing the joy and excitement associated with the day.

Born to Njord and with a twin brother, Freyr, Freya is akin to the Roman goddess Venus. She travels in a chariot pulled by cats. Revered for her beauty, she becomes the focus of prayers for happiness, love, aid in childbirth, and a bountiful harvest.

2. Friday the 13th is considered unlucky due to history and superstition.

Friday the 13th is widely regarded as an unlucky day, a superstition deeply rooted in Christian theology, citing Jesus' crucifixion on a Friday and the presence of 13 guests at the Last Supper.

This belief extends further, finding roots in even more ancient tales, such as a Norse myth where a dinner party for 12 gods turned tragic due to an uninvited 13th guest. This fear of Friday the 13th has become so pervasive a term was coined for it: Paraskevidekatriaphobia.

A woman expressing fear | Source: Pexels

3. Friday is the least productive day of the week.

As the weekend looms closer, concentration tends to dwindle. On Fridays, the anticipation for leisure and relaxation reaches its peak. It comes as no surprise, then, that Friday tends to be the least productive day of the week.

A 2023 study revealed a significant decline in computer output metrics on Fridays compared to other weekdays. This study also highlighted reduced work efficiency on Friday afternoons, indicating a trend where workers become less productive and more prone to making typos during this period.

A woman being unproductive at work | Source: Pexels

4. Black Friday didn't always revolve around discounted sale items.

Black Friday, occurring the day after Thanksgiving and associated with a shopping frenzy, was originally a term coined by the Philadelphia police in the 1960s to describe the chaotic streets on this bustling day.

On the Saturday following Thanksgiving, an annual Army-Navy football game takes place, drawing large crowds, with many arriving on Friday. The influx of people presented significant challenges for the police, leading to the day earning the moniker Black Friday.

A bustling avenue filled with people | Source: Pexels

The next time Friday comes around the corner, remember these interesting facts and find someone to share them with. After all, Fridays are all about ushering the fun times.

You might also be interested in reading some fun facts about January.