Ever wondered why Sunday feels so special? Whether it’s the lazy mornings, the tradition of family meals, or its cultural and historical significance, Sunday is more than just the day before Monday.

It’s steeped in fascinating meanings, traditions, and superstitions from all over the world. Dive in as we explore 22 super facts about Sunday that will change the way you perceive the most relaxing day of the week!

1. Sunday is Named After the Sun

In English and other Germanic languages, the name “Sunday” originates from the Old English word “Sunnandæg,” which translates to “Day of the Sun.” This naming convention reflects ancient beliefs that this day was dedicated to the sun deity in pre-Christian traditions.

2. It’s the First Day of the Week in Some Cultures

While most people in Western countries see Sunday as the end of the weekend, in many cultures and calendars, like the Jewish and Islamic traditions, Sunday is the first day of the week. Even the ISO calendar recognizes Monday as the start of the week, but Sunday is still considered the first day in many settings.

3. A Day of Rest and Worship

Sunday has been associated with rest and worship since the Roman Emperor Constantine declared it a public holiday in 321 AD. For Christians, it’s the day to honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is why many church services are held on Sundays.

4. Time for Brunch!

Sunday is synonymous with long, lazy brunches. Dishes like pancakes, mimosas, eggs benedict, and avocado toast have become staples of this mid-morning meal. The idea of Sunday brunch originated in 19th-century England and evolved into the social ritual we now love.

From Super Bowl Sundays in the United States to football matches in Europe, Sunday is prime sports viewing time. The day often becomes a gathering for fans to sit down and cheer on their favorite teams.

6. Blue Laws Restricted Sunday Activities

“Blue laws” were established to limit certain activities on Sundays, particularly shopping and working, in the US and other regions. While these laws have mostly faded away, remnants can still be seen in some places.

7. Sunday Scaries Are Real

Ever felt that creeping anxiety on Sunday night as the thought of Monday looms? It’s commonly known as the “Sunday Scaries.” Studies show that this phenomenon is linked to the anticipation of returning to work or school after the weekend.

8. It’s a Global Day for Elections

Many countries, including France and Germany, schedule their elections on Sundays. The day ensures maximum availability for voters, as it’s when most people are likely to be free from work commitments.

9. Sunday Roast Is a British Tradition

A traditional British Sunday roast, complete with roasted meat, potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding, has been a beloved custom for centuries. It’s considered a comforting family meal to end the week on a hearty note.

10. Laundry Day in Many Cultures

For some, Sunday means tackling the pile of laundry waiting from the past week. It’s a day to refresh your clothing and prepare for the week ahead.

11. A Quiet Day in Certain Countries

In countries like Germany and Austria, Sunday is still designated as a day of rest, where public activities like construction or shopping are minimized to maintain peace.

While Saturday is the preferred day for weddings in Western countries, Sunday holds significant wedding traditions in Indian and Jewish cultures, often deemed an auspicious day for ceremonies.

13. A Day of Gratitude in Many Religions

From prayers recited in churches to spiritual reflections, Sunday embodies gratitude for the week gone by and hope for the week ahead in many religious practices.

14. Sunday Is Ideal for Self-Care

Around the world, Sunday is regarded as a day to relax and rejuvenate. Whether it’s a spa day, reading a book, or unwinding with Netflix, self-care Sunday is a trending lifestyle choice.

15. Sunday Newspapers Are a Big Deal

Sunday editions of newspapers are often the thickest and most content-rich of the week. Loaded with feature articles, glossy magazines, and comic sections, Sunday papers like “The New York Times” or “The Sunday Times” are a long-standing tradition.

16. A Day for Reflection

For many individuals, Sunday is a day to plan ahead for the week and reflect on personal goals. It’s when planners are updated, to-do lists are created, and priorities are set for the days to come.

17. Bacon and Eggs Became a Sunday Favorite Thanks to Edward Bernays

The classic American breakfast combo of bacon and eggs gained popularity, especially on Sunday mornings, due to a publicity campaign led by Edward Bernays in the 1920s, promoting hearty meals to start the day.

18. A Peak Day for Nature Walks

With no work obligations, Sunday is the perfect day to take a scenic walk or hike. Many parks and hiking trails experience their highest attendance rates on Sunday mornings.

Songs like U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and Lionel Richie’s “Easy (Like Sunday Morning)” reflect the cultural significance and emotional resonance of the day.

20. Sunday Sales Spikes

According to consumer reports, Sunday is often the biggest shopping day for online retailers. This trend is attributed to online deals dropping right before the start of the work week.

21. Sunday Comics Brought Joy to Millions

The tradition of Sunday comic strips in newspapers has made generations of readers laugh. Iconic comics like “Garfield” and “Peanuts” were staples of many Sundays.

22. It’s a Day to Rediscover Hobbies

Whether it’s gardening, painting, or baking, Sunday is considered the perfect day to indulge in hobbies that may otherwise be neglected during the workweek.

Rediscover the Magic of Sunday

Sunday is truly a unique day—equal parts restful and reflective, rooted in traditions and filled with possibilities. Whether you spend it indulging in a comforting brunch, tackling your to-do list, or simply recharging your batteries, Sunday has something special to offer everyone.

How do you spend your Sundays? Share your favorite Sunday traditions below!