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The Gods of Roman Mythology and the Names of Months and Weekdays

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1. Janus β€” God of Beginnings and Doorways

A uniquely Roman god depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions at once, presiding over beginnings and endings, doors, and passageways. The English word "January" comes from his name.

2. Saturn β€” God of Agriculture and Time

The god who presided over agriculture and time, honored with the grand Roman festival "Saturnalia." The English weekday name "Saturday" derives from his name.

3. Mars β€” God of War and Guardian of Rome

The god of war, but also revered by Romans as a special protector of the state, since he was considered the father of Romulus, Rome's founder. He is the origin of "March" and the French word for Tuesday, "mardi."

4. Vesta β€” Goddess of the Hearth and Home

The goddess who protected the household hearth and home, served by priestesses called the "Vestal Virgins," who tended an eternal flame in her temple in Rome.

5. Jupiter β€” Supreme God of Roman Mythology

The supreme god of Roman mythology, ruling over the sky and thunder, corresponding to Zeus in Greek mythology. The French word for Thursday, "jeudi," derives from his name.

6. Juno β€” Goddess of Marriage and the Home

Jupiter's wife and the goddess who protects marriage and the home β€” the month of June derives its name from her.

7. The Weekday Names Left by Mercury and Venus

Mercury, the messenger god, left his mark on the French word for Wednesday, "mercredi," while Venus, goddess of love and beauty, left hers on Friday, "vendredi." Both gods correspond to Hermes and Aphrodite in Greek mythology.

Roman Mythology, Still Visible Today

The names of Roman gods didn't stay confined to mythology books β€” they live on today in the names of our months and in the weekday names of several European languages. Hidden within words we use without a second thought are glimpses of how the ancient Romans saw their world.

Also See South Korea's Traditional Holidays

If you're curious about cultures that mark time and the seasons, our guide to South Korea's Traditional Holidays is worth checking out too.

Frequently Asked Questions

I heard the English weekday names don't come from Roman gods β€” is that true?

Yes β€” the English names Tuesday through Friday come not from Roman gods but from Norse/Germanic mythology (Tyr, Odin, Thor, and Freya). By contrast, weekday names in Romance languages like French and Spanish, which developed through Latin, have retained the names of Roman gods relatively directly.

Are July and August connected to Rome as well?

Yes β€” July is named after Julius Caesar, and August after the first Roman emperor, Augustus, making them months named after real historical figures rather than gods.