Do you ever feel like Tuesdays get a bad rap? After the carefree joy of the weekend, Mondays can really drag us down. By the time Tuesday rolls around, we’re just trying to get through the week. But Tuesdays have so much more to offer! In fact, Tuesdays have a rich history across cultures, religions, and even astrology.

Let’s liven up our Tuesdays by exploring some of the fun hidden gems about this underappreciated day of the week. Trust me, after reading this article, you’ll never see Tuesday the same way again!

1. The Name Tuesday Comes From Norse Mythology

You can thank Tyr, the Norse god of war and justice, for the name Tuesday. The Old English word for Tuesday was Tiwesdæg, meaning “Tiw’s day.” Tyr was known for his courage, honor, and sense of justice.

So next Tuesday when you’re hitting snooze on your alarm clock, think of Tyr fearlessly sacrificing his hand to Fenrir the wolf! That should get you motivated.

2. Tuesday Is Associated with the Planet Mars

In astrology, Tuesday is associated with the fiery red planet Mars. In fact, ancient Romans named the day after their god of war, Mars.

People born under Mars are thought to be passionate, motivated, and dynamic leaders, with a competitive edge. Harness that vibrant Mars energy to make Tuesdays your most productive day of the week!

3. Rubies Are the Birthstone for Tuesdays

Rubies are the rich red birthstone associated with Tuesdays. These precious gems symbolize love, passion, and optimism. Ancient Hindus believed rubies brought good fortune and health.

Medieval Europeans wore rubies to guarantee wise decision-making. Next time Tuesday rolls around, channel the positive energy of rubies to make your week sparkle!

4. Tuesdays Are the Most Productive Workday

Feeling sluggish on Tuesday? You’re not alone – but research shows Tuesdays are actually the most productive workday!

Employees report higher energy levels, engagement, and efficiency on Tuesdays. So don’t dread Tuesdays – see them as your chance to crush your goals and build momentum for the rest of the week.

5. Election Day Always Falls on a Tuesday

Here’s a fun political fact about Tuesdays. Since 1845, presidential elections in the U.S. have been held on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November.

Of course, Election Day doesn’t happen every Tuesday – but no matter what year it falls on, you can count on Americans to head to the polls on a Tuesday!

6. Black Tuesday Triggered the Great Depression

Not all Tuesdays are feel-good days. Black Tuesday refers to October 29, 1929, when panicked selling triggered an unprecedented stock market crash, kicking off the Great Depression.

Let’s hope no future Tuesdays earn such a dark nickname!

7. Tuesdays Inspired a Classic Children’s Book

The beloved children’s book Tuesday by David Wiesner playfully explores what might happen if frogs could fly away on their lily pads one Tuesday night.

This quirky almost-wordless picture book won the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1992. Clearly, literary Tuesdays can spark delightful adventures!

8. Tuesday Has Special Meaning in Many Faiths

In Judaism, Tuesday is considered a particularly lucky day. In the Book of Genesis, God proclaims “it was good” twice on the Tuesday of creation.

In Christianity, Tuesday is for spiritual reflection and confession. Hindus worship Lord Hanuman on Tuesdays, while Buddhists reflect on overcoming obstacles. What inspiring perspectives on this underrated day!

9. Uranus Was Discovered on a Tuesday

On March 13, 1781, the planet Uranus was discovered by astronomer William Herschel – all on a regular Tuesday night!

This was the first planet found using a telescope, nearly doubling the size of the known solar system. Tuesday is out of this world!

10. Tuesdays Are Unlucky in Some Cultures

While Tuesday brings good fortune in many faiths, some cultures consider it the most ominous day of the week. In Greece and Spain, Tuesday is associated with misfortune and war.

And in Latin America, a Tuesday 13th is an unlucky day, more so than Friday the 13th. But don’t let superstition ruin your Tuesdays!

11. Tuesday Is a Popular Day for Getting Married

In Thai culture, Tuesdays are considered auspicious wedding days. Thai brides often wear pink on Tuesday weddings, as pink is linked to Tuesdays on the Thai solar calendar.

And in neighboring Cambodia, Khmer couples enthusiastically marry on Tuesdays too. Say “I do” to making Tuesday your day of love!

12. Tuesdays Are Packed with Cultural Meaning

From religious worship to claiming independence, cultures worldwide have long imbued Tuesdays with ritual meaning. Mardi Gras always lands on a Tuesday.

Americans vote and pay taxes on Tuesdays. For Hindus, Tuesdays are auspicious days to fast and pray. And the French Revolution began with the Storming of the Bastille on Tuesday, July 14, 1789. What a historic day!

In Summary

As you can see, Tuesdays have much more going for them than just being the day after Monday! From astrology to politics, productivity to children’s literature, Tuesdays have shaped culture and history across the globe.

So next time Tuesday rolls around, embrace it with a new appreciation. Harness the fiery Mars energy. Channel the optimism of rubies. Make time for spiritual reflection. Exercise your right to vote. And maybe, just maybe, discover a new planet or two!

Tuesdays give us so many reasons to celebrate life’s simple pleasures. With the right outlook, any Tuesday can be terrific. After all, Tuesdays have tales to tell!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is so special about Tuesday?

Tuesday has rich cultural, spiritual, and historical significance around the world. In astrology, Tuesday is associated with the vibrant energy of the planet Mars. Many faiths from Judaism to Hinduism commemorate Tuesday as a spiritually meaningful day. Plus, momentous events like elections and revolutions often fall on Tuesdays!

What does Tuesday symbolize?

Throughout history and across cultures, Tuesday symbolizes concepts like war and justice, passion and reflection, productivity and upheaval. For instance, the word Tuesday comes from Tyr, the Norse god of war. In astrology, Tuesday represents the planet Mars and its characteristics like drive and energy. Many significant political and social events have also happened on pivotal Tuesdays over the centuries.

What is the history of Tuesday?

Tuesday has its roots in Norse mythology as Tyr or Tiw's day, Tyr being the Norse god of war and justice. The Romans also named Tuesday after their god of war, Mars. In many faiths, Tuesday is set aside as a spiritually meaningful day for confession or fasting. And Tuesdays are dotted throughout history as the day of momentous occasions like elections, treaties being signed, and battles beginning. So Tuesdays have a rich background spanning mythology, religion, astrology, culture and politics.