Origins of Days and Months Trivia Quiz

Answer: August

Although Julius Caesar is commonly thought of as the first Roman Emperor, it was actually his chosen heir, Caesar Augustus who held that title, de facto. Born with the name Octavian, Augustus changed his name when he was declared Emperor of Rome in 27BC. The month of August is named for him as many of his major life events happened in this month.

Answer: Saturday

In ancient times, the Roman god Saturn had a feast in his honour. The feast, Saturnalia, was originally only one day, but extended to a week. The original day of Saturnalia is believed to be what is now known as 'Saturday'.

Answer: Wednesday

The Germanic god Wodan is associated with the Norse god Odin. Woden/Odin fathered many other gods, for which he was called Alfadir (Allfather). Two of Woden's sons, Thor and Tiw (Norse Tyr) have days named after them, as does his wife, Frigg.

Answer: Tuesday

While the Roman god of war, Mars, has a month named for him, Tyr, the Norse god, has a day. Watch out for those Tuesdays in March!

Answer: June

Juno, the chief female Roman deity, was married to Jupiter, King of the gods. Associated with the Greek goddess Hera, Juno was the goddess of women and marriage.

Answer: Thursday

Thor is the Norse god of thunder, often depicted holding a lighting bolt. It was believed that Thor protected humans and other Gods from evil. He became one of the most popular Norse Gods, surpassing even his father, Odin, the chief Norse god.

Answer: January

January is named after the Roman god, Janus, as January is the beginning of a new year. Janus is also sometimes called the god of doors.

Answer: Friday

There is a debate as to whether the day was named for Frigg or Freya. Both were goddesses of love and are commonly associated with one another. Frigg could tell people's destiny and had three children by Odin, while Freya married Od (sometimes associated with Odin).

Answer: March

The Roman god of war, Mars, is associated with the Greek god, Ares. In Italian, French and Spanish, the day commonly known as Tuesday is also named after Mars.

Answer: July

Possibly the most famous Roman ever: Julius Caesar. Named in the year he died, 44 BC, this was the month in which Caesar was born. Caesar and his successor Augustus were the only mortals to have a day or month named after them.