Etymology of Weekdays. Let us discover the meaning of the names of the weekdays.
At Podere Cerbaia we like to study Italian and have some fun while we do that! One activity during our lessons is to follow our curiosity and look for the etymology of words and, for example, dig into the origin of the names of the week. Such names derive from Latin and link each day of the week to one of the celestial bodies above us in the sky. The foundational Latin week structure is in fact still in place: Lunedì-Venerdì, that is a Curiosity of the Italian Language.
English preserves the pagan names also for Saturday (Saturn) and Sunday (Sun), while Italian’s Sabato and Domenica reflect the influence of Shabbat (rest in Hebrew) and Dominica (Day of the Lord).
The Italian names therefore (and their Latin originals) directly reflect this pagan pantheon. Here is the meaning of the Weekdays:
| Italian Name | Deity / Planet | Latin Origin | Meaning |
| Lune-dì | The Moon (Luna) | Lunae dies | Day of the Moon |
| Marte-dì | Mars (Marte) | Martis dies | Day of Mars |
| Mercole-dì | Mercury (Mercurio) | Mercuri dies | Day of Mercury |
| Giove-dì | Jupiter (Giove) | Iovis dies | Day of Jupiter |
| Vener-dì | Venus (Venere) | Veneris dies | Day of Venus |
Italianistica Online » 2006 » Dizionari etimologici online
1. Curiosity of Italian Languane on Lunedì: The Moon’s Day
Monday is for reflection and planning (Lunae dies). After the busy weekend, our rhythm focuses on essential work: finalizing menu for the week, setting the targets for the course and get started! Our Students are invited to a Tuscan Biscuit Baking Class, a soothing activity focused on precision and simple ingredients.
2. Curiosity on Martedì: The Day of Mars
“Olive oil is the essential ingredient”
Olive Oil production
Tuesday is for vigorous action and physical effort, aligning with Mars. This is our main maintenance day. We tackle hands-on tasks in the gardens. Students can join the physical effort during Olive Grove Maintenance, directly connecting to the land’s vital work and learning the vocabulary for our Olive Oil production.
Chianti olive oil from the tree to the table | Podere Cerbaia
3. Curiosity on Mercoledì: The Day of Mercury
Wednesday governs logistics, connection, and distribution. Mid-week focuses on coordinating with local partners, and engaging with our community. You may want to participate in Hands-on Gardening in the Orto, learning how to sow and care for seasonal vegetables. It is a feast to pick herbs for our table !
4. Curiosity on Giovedì: The Day of Jupiter
Thursday is dedicated to abundance and large-batch production, maximizing the land’s generosity (making jam, if the season offers fruit!). Our rhythm is focused on harvesting. Join Ilaria for a Local Market Excursion (Mercato) to source fresh ingredients and engage in the social exchange that Jupiter represents.
5. Curiosity on Venerdì: The Day of Venus
Friday honors beauty and culinary pleasure. We finalize the weekend menu and prepare ourself, ensuring we are at our most beautiful! Celebrate the day (and the end of it!) with a focused Wine Tasting & Sunset Aperitivo, preparing the body and spirit for the weekend.
And what is the origin of ‘Aperitivo’?
Sabato: The Day of rest (Sabbah) and Domenica: The Day of the Lord (Dominus)
Saturday marks the transition from labor to rest. This is the heart of our week: Guest Arrival Day. We manage the complex logistics of hospitality, conducting welcoming tours and hosting the first family dinner . Guests receive a comprehensive Welcome Farm Tour, preparing them for their stay and the language immersion program.
Live by the Ancient Calendar !!
Now you know what to do each day when you stay at Podere Cerbaia! After your Italian Language lesson, you join a rhythm stretching back thousands of years and receive the blessing and inspiration of ancient myths. We invite you to slow down, disconnect, and rediscover the true meaning of time. Book your stay and experience the weekly cycle of life in Tuscany!
