The way countries define the start of the week varies widely around the world, influenced by culture, religion, and historical practices. In many nations, Sunday is traditionally considered the first day of the week, shaping calendars, work schedules, and daily routines.
From North and South America to the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, Sunday holds cultural and symbolic significance as a day of rest, worship, or preparation. Understanding which countries follow this convention provides insight into global timekeeping traditions.
The United States
In the United States, Sunday is commonly regarded as the first day of the week. This tradition is deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices, particularly Christianity, where Sunday is considered a day of rest and worship.
Calendars in the U.S. typically start with Sunday on the leftmost column, both in print and digital formats.
This convention is also reflected in business schedules, as some institutions consider Sunday the start of a workweek in planning contexts, although the official workweek generally begins on Monday.
Many Americans continue to observe Sunday as a family day, reinforcing its role as a symbolic beginning of the week.
Canada
Similar to the United States, Canada follows the practice of listing Sunday as the first day of the week. This tradition is influenced by European and Christian customs that date back centuries.
In calendars, Sunday is positioned as the start of the week, and it often functions as a day for family gatherings and religious observances.
While Canada’s official workweek runs from Monday to Friday, the cultural perception of Sunday as the week’s start remains significant, especially in planning and casual contexts.
Mexico
In Mexico, Sunday is recognized as the first day of the week in most calendars. This aligns with historical religious influences, particularly Catholicism, which emphasizes Sunday as a day of worship and rest.
While the official business week begins on Monday, Sunday is treated as a special day for family activities, church services, and community events.
The practice of considering Sunday the first day of the week is widely observed in homes, schools, and various cultural references, reinforcing its symbolic importance.
Brazil
Brazil also follows the custom of designating Sunday as the first day of the week. Calendars and planners in Brazil typically list Sunday in the first column. This tradition has its roots in Christian heritage, where Sunday represents both rest and the celebration of faith.
Although most workplaces operate from Monday through Friday, Brazilian society continues to associate Sunday with family time and leisure, reflecting its position as the symbolic start of the week.
This cultural practice is reinforced in schools, media, and public events scheduled around Sundays.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Sunday is traditionally considered the first day of the week. This convention is influenced by Spanish colonial history and the predominance of Catholicism.
Calendars in the Philippines generally display Sunday as the first day, emphasizing its role as a day for mass attendance, family gatherings, and rest. While the official workweek follows a Monday-to-Friday schedule,
Sunday’s position as the first day is maintained in cultural references and casual planning, highlighting its importance in Filipino daily life.
Israel
Israel presents a slightly different scenario, where Sunday functions as the beginning of the workweek rather than just a cultural marker.
In Israeli calendars, Sunday is often shown as the first day, and it is the first workday after the weekend, which runs from Friday afternoon to Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath.
Sunday’s dual role as both a weekday and the symbolic start of the week aligns with both religious observances and practical scheduling needs in business and government.
Australia
In Australia, Sunday is also commonly seen as the first day of the week in calendars, although some official planning and work-related documents may begin the week on Monday. The Sunday-first convention has cultural and historical roots connected to Christian traditions.
Australians generally use Sunday for leisure activities, family time, and religious practices. Despite Monday often being the practical start of the workweek, Sunday maintains its cultural significance as a symbolic week starter.
New Zealand
New Zealand follows a similar practice, where Sunday is the first day of the week in most printed and digital calendars.
This convention is influenced by European settlers and Christian traditions. Sunday is typically reserved for rest, worship, and family activities, reinforcing its role as a culturally significant day.
While the business and school week officially start on Monday, the symbolic importance of Sunday as the first day persists in everyday life and cultural references.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Sunday is the first day of the workweek, reflecting the country’s weekend structure, which traditionally includes Friday and Saturday. Calendars often start with Sunday, and businesses resume operations on this day following the weekend.
Although the religious day of rest is Friday, Sunday functions as a practical beginning of the week in administrative and corporate contexts, aligning with both local customs and international business practices.
