Interesting Facts About Monday, the Second Day of the Week

Monday. The first day of the work week we all dread to see. The Mamas and the Papas sang "Every other day of the week is fine- yeah! But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes, you can find me cryin' all of the time" in their 1966 hit, "Monday, Monday." The Bangles referred to it as being frenzied in their 1986 hit song "Manic Monday." No one has much good to say about this day that follows Sunday and precedes Tuesday. Read this informative article and find out some interesting facts about Monday, the second day of the week, that might make you feel differently about this day!

Named Days
Monday, which originally got its name from the moon, has many days named for it. These include: Cyber Monday (follows Thanksgiving- refers to the increase in online sales); Easter Monday (follows Easter and is celebrated as a holiday in some cultures); Handsel Monday (first of the new year in which gifts are given to convey good wishes in Scotland and Northern England; Clean Monday (or Ash Monday- the first day of Lent. Refers to being free from sin);
Big Monday (ESPN's College Basketball presentation); Black Monday (October 19, 1987- the day the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 508 points.)

An interesting fact about Monday, the second day of the week, is that it's also referred to as "Blue Monday." The name is thought to have started because the first day of the work week used to be set aside for doing the laundry. Bluing was used to keep white clothes from becoming dingy and gray. From that product, wash day became known as "Blue Monday."

Even though Monday isn't always wash day today, the term "Blue Monday" still exists. However, it's meaning is different. It now refers to the day when employees have to return to work after a weekend break. Another interesting fact about Monday, the second day of the week, is it's the most likely day for workers to have heart attacks. The British Medical Journal reported a 20% increase in heart attacks on Mondays as opposed to the other days of the week. The attacks may be caused by stress and high blood pressure caused by returning to work.

Monday Holidays
Several holidays always fall on a Monday. Some of these include Labor Day, Memorial Day, President's Day, Columbus Day and Veteran's Day.

The Worst Day
In many cultures, the first day of the work week holds the honor of being the worst day. Another interesting fact about Monday, the second day of the week, is, the French used to call automobiles that turn out to be lemons, "Monday Cars."

On the Brighter Side
Believe-it-or-not, there are two positive things about Monday. First, if you were born on this day, then you're not homely. Afterall, the old rhyme goes, "Monday's child is fair of face". That's a good thing. And second, when you're going to shop for a new car, do it on a Monday. Car sales people make the bulk of their sales on the weekends. When Monday rolls around, there are usually few customers in sight, and the weekend is a long ways off. That's why car sales people
are more desperate on Monday, and they'll be more willing to cut you a deal.

Miscellaneous
And finally, an interesting fact about Monday is, it's associated with Silver when it comes to Alchemy, an ancient chemical science. According to Astrology, Monday is is ruled by the zodiac signs Cancer, June 22 to July 22.