Rupert Goodwins' Diary

Friday 19/10/2001

Amid online discussion of the proposed laws to ban activity that stirs religious intolerance, the point is raised that everybody can find something to upset them in other people's beliefs. Indeed, someone pointed out, the very days of the week celebrate pagan deities -- Woden's day Thor's day, Frigga's day and so on. I know several evangelicals who would be deeply insulted should they realise this, and of course any other religious basis for day naming will have the potential to do the same to someone, somewhere. A secular renaming is needed.

This is obviously of prime importance, and I'm surprised nobody's already done it. While we're at it, perhaps we should get rid of the seven-day week, as I believe that also has religious significance. Ten is a nice number, as it signifies the rationalisation of the decimal system and all the traditions of enlightenment and intellectual renewal that go with it.

As to the naming of the days

Monday -- Let's call it Oneday. Start of the week. Tuesday -- Twosday. Obviously second day, and easy to accept as it sounds the same. Wednesday -- Wellday. A day for cleansing mind and soul by being nice and not going to the pub. Thursday -- Thirday. It's not the third day, of course, but it's the third normal day on which you can be your normal ornery self and go to the pub Friday -- Freeday. A mid-week break from work. Saturday -- Safeday. Sometimes A Free Day. Some people will break here as well. Sunday -- Someday. A day for considering unfinished business, as in "I'll get it finished Someday". Also the day for delivery of photographs. Extra Day One -- Newday. The first additional day in the new week Extra Day Two -- Nineday. Because it is. Extra Day Three -- Finday. Because it is, as well.

So -- happy Freeday, and see you next Twosday.

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