Editing Saturday

{{SHORTDESC:Day of the week}}

'''Saturday''' is the seventh and last day of the week according to the international [[ISO 8601]] standard, though in some traditions it is considered the sixth day. It is named after the [[Roman god]] [[Saturn]], and is associated with the planet [[Saturn]] in many cultures. Saturday is traditionally a day of rest, recreation, and social activities in many societies. For certain religious communities, Saturday holds particular significance.

==Etymology==

The name "Saturday" is derived from the Latin word ''Saturni dies'', meaning "day of Saturn." The planet Saturn was named after the Roman god of agriculture, and this influence is visible in the names of the day in many languages, including [[French]] (''samedi'') and [[Spanish]] (''sábado''), which also derive from the Latin. In ancient Roman tradition, Saturday was a day dedicated to honoring Saturn, the god associated with agriculture, wealth, and liberation.

==History==
Saturday has a long history of being a day of rest and worship in various cultures. In ancient Rome, Saturn's day was celebrated with feasts and public festivals in honor of the god. Over time, this became a day of leisure and respite, particularly among the working classes. The tradition of resting on Saturdays continued into the early [[Christian]] and [[Jewish]] societies.

In [[Christianity]], Saturday was initially considered the day of rest, as part of the Biblical commandment to observe the [[Sabbath]]. Over time, the observance of the Sabbath was moved to Sunday to commemorate the [[resurrection of Jesus Christ]]. However, for many Christians, Saturday remained a day for preparation and rest before Sunday worship.

In the modern era, Saturday became part of the [[weekend]], a two-day period of rest and leisure that includes both Saturday and Sunday.

==Cultural and Religious Significance==
===Jewish Tradition===
In Judaism, Saturday is the most significant day of the week, as it is the day of the [[Sabbath]] (Shabbat). The observance of Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. It is considered a day of rest and spiritual renewal, as prescribed in the [[Torah]]. Jewish law forbids work on Shabbat, and activities such as cooking, driving, and using electronic devices are prohibited. The day is marked by communal prayers, family gatherings, and special meals, including the traditional Shabbat dinner and the lighting of candles to welcome the Sabbath.

Shabbat is central to Jewish life, and its observance is one of the most important aspects of Jewish identity and culture.

===Christian Tradition===
For most Christians, Saturday is not considered a day of religious observance, as Sunday is regarded as the [[Lord's Day]] or the day of worship. However, Saturday remains an important day for preparation. In some Christian denominations, especially in more conservative branches, Saturday is observed as a day for quiet reflection or for preparing for Sunday services. Some Christian communities, such as the [[Seventh-day Adventists]], continue to observe Saturday as the Sabbath, following the Biblical commandment to keep the seventh day holy.

In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], Saturday is also a day for remembering the dead, known as [[Soul Saturday]], and is considered a day for special prayers and remembrances of those who have passed.

===Islamic Observance===
In Islam, Saturday is not considered a religious day of observance, as [[Friday]] holds greater significance as the holy day. The Islamic tradition emphasizes the [[Jumu'ah]] prayer on Fridays, which is a congregational prayer that Muslims are encouraged to perform instead of the regular midday prayer. However, Saturday remains a regular day of work and activity for Muslims, similar to Sunday in Western societies.

===Hinduism===
In [[Hinduism]], Saturday is associated with the worship of [[Shani]], the god of justice, discipline, and karma. Shani is one of the nine planets (Navagraha) in Hindu astrology, and his influence is believed to bring both challenges and rewards depending on one's past actions. Many Hindus observe a fast or perform special prayers on Saturdays to appease Shani and seek his blessings. 

The day is also considered auspicious for performing rituals related to strength, overcoming obstacles, and ensuring prosperity. Temples dedicated to Shani, such as the Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra, India, are particularly popular on Saturdays. Devotees often make offerings, light lamps, and recite mantras in the belief that it will help them overcome difficulties and achieve success.

==Saturday in Modern Culture==
In contemporary society, Saturday is seen as a day for leisure and recreation in many cultures. For those who work a standard Monday-to-Friday schedule, Saturday provides an opportunity to relax, engage in hobbies, or spend time with friends and family. Many people enjoy the freedom of the weekend, making Saturday a popular day for social gatherings, outdoor activities, and entertainment.

===Saturday and Commerce===
In most countries, Saturday is a busy day for commerce, with businesses, shopping centers, and restaurants seeing high foot traffic. It is a common day for people to run errands, shop, and participate in leisure activities. The retail industry, in particular, benefits from the weekend shopping rush, with discounts, promotions, and special events often taking place on Saturdays.

In some parts of the world, such as [[Europe]], some countries still observe laws that regulate business hours on Saturdays, ensuring that workers have time off to rest and participate in cultural or family activities. 

===Sports and Entertainment===
Saturday is traditionally a day for major sports events, particularly in Western cultures. Many sports leagues, including football (soccer), basketball, and baseball, schedule games on Saturdays, as it is one of the most popular days for fans to attend matches. In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, Saturday sports have become a central part of the weekend entertainment schedule.

Television and film also capitalize on Saturday as a prime viewing day, with new episodes of popular TV shows and movie releases often scheduled for Saturday evening. For many, Saturday evening is synonymous with relaxation and entertainment before the end of the weekend.

===Social and Family Gatherings===
For many people, Saturday is a day for socializing and spending time with loved ones. In some cultures, Saturday evenings are a time for family dinners or outings. People often gather for special events, including parties, celebrations, and other social activities. It is also a common day for religious observances, as many churches and temples hold special events, services, or community gatherings on Saturday evenings.

===Public Holidays===
In some countries, Saturday serves as the day of observance for specific public holidays, particularly those that are based on the lunar calendar or those that have historical significance. National holidays and cultural celebrations may fall on Saturdays, making the day a time for festivities and public ceremonies.

==Global Observance of Saturday==
Different cultures around the world observe Saturday in a variety of ways. For example:

* In [[North America]] and [[Europe]], Saturday is widely observed as a day for leisure and entertainment, and is a key part of the weekend.
* In [[India]], Saturday is a day of religious observance for Hindus and a day for rest for many others. Businesses and schools are often closed on Saturdays, and people use the day for shopping, socializing, and family gatherings.
* In [[Israel]], Saturday is the Sabbath (Shabbat), a day of rest and spiritual reflection, during which many businesses and public services are closed.

==Health and Psychology==
Saturday plays an important role in people's well-being. For those who work or study during the week, Saturday provides an opportunity to recharge and recover. It is often a time for exercise, outdoor activities, or engaging in personal hobbies. Many people also use Saturday to connect with friends or family, which can boost mental health and social bonds.

Some individuals may also experience feelings of anxiety or stress as the weekend draws to a close, known as "Saturday syndrome" or "Sunday anxiety," as they anticipate the start of the workweek.

==See Also==
* [[Week]]
* [[Weekend]]
* [[Sabbath]]
* [[Shabbat]]
* [[Saturday night fever]]
* [[Shani]]
* [[Jumu'ah]]
* [[Lord's Day]]


==External Links==
* [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saturday Encyclopedia Britannica: Saturday]