Friday: The Day of Frigg (and Its Connection to Freya)

Friday, known as "Friday" in English, has its roots in Norse and Germanic mythology. This day is traditionally associated with Frigg, the goddess of the sky, home, and marriage. However, it is also often linked with Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, as both figures share similar characteristics and their names are intertwined in ancient Germanic culture.

The Origin of the Name "Friday"

The word "Friday" comes from Old English *Frīgedæg*, which means "Day of Frigg." Frigg, wife of Odin and queen of the gods, was venerated as the protector of the home and guide of the family.

On the other hand, in popular traditions, especially outside Scandinavia, Frigg and Freya were often merged into one figure due to their shared attributes: love, fertility, and protection. This cultural syncretism has led many to associate Friday with both Frigg and Freya.

In Romance languages, like Spanish, Friday comes from the Latin *dies Veneris*, the day of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Thus, Friday connects both with Roman and Germanic traditions, both linked to love and the pleasures of life.

Frigg and Freya: Who Were They?

Although often confused, Frigg and Freya are distinct figures in Norse mythology:

Frigg

- Wife of Odin and mother of Baldur, Frigg is the goddess of the sky, marriage, and motherhood.

- She is known for her wisdom and ability to foresee the future, although she cannot interfere with fate.

- She represents stability, the home, and protective love.

Freya

- Sister of Freyr, Freya belongs to the Vanir, a tribe of gods associated with nature and fertility.

- She is the goddess of love, beauty, passion, and magic. She also leads the Valkyries and shares with Odin the fate of fallen warriors.

- Her character is freer and more passionate than Frigg’s, making her a figure associated with desire and the celebration of life.

In many ways, both goddesses represent love in its different forms: Frigg as the enduring family love, and Freya as romantic and passionate love.

The Symbolism of Friday

Friday, as the day of Frigg (and Freya), symbolizes love, beauty, and the pleasures of life. Today, it remains a special day, associated with the end of the workweek and the beginning of leisure time, fun, and relaxation.

Friday in Other Languages

The connection of Friday with these goddesses is reflected in Germanic languages:

- In English: Friday (Day of Frigg).

- In Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian: Fredag (Day of Freya/Frigg).

In contrast, in Romance languages like Spanish, Friday comes from Venus, showing how both traditions—Norse and Roman—align in highlighting love and beauty as the central theme of the day.

Friday in Modern Culture

Although Frigg and Freya come from ancient mythology, their influence is still felt today. Friday is the day many associate with celebration, connection with others, and enjoyment of life—values that these goddesses embody.

The figure of Freya, in particular, has gained relevance in popular culture through books, video games, and TV series. For example, she appears as a prominent character in the *God of War* saga, where her power, strength, and connection to magic and nature make her a fascinating figure.

Fun Facts About Friday

1. Friday and Good Fortune: In ancient times, Friday was a day to celebrate fertility and love, invoking Frigg or Freya for blessings. However, in the Christian Middle Ages, Friday began to be associated with bad luck, especially "Friday the 13th."

2. Friday as the Day of Venus and Freya: In astrology, Friday is linked with the planet Venus, associated with love, beauty, and pleasures, reinforcing the connection with Freya and her passionate spirit.

3. The End of the Week: Today, Friday is a much-anticipated day worldwide, symbolizing the transition from duty to enjoyment, a shift that embodies the spirit of these goddesses.

Whether seen as the day of Frigg or Freya, Friday has a strong connection to love, beauty, and the pleasures of life. It’s a moment to leave behind the tensions of the week and celebrate what makes us happy.

And you? How will you honor the spirit of this special day in your life?