In societies heavily influenced by Judaism or Christianity, the concept of a day of rest isn’t strange. Known as the Sabbath or Shabbat, this day or time period is intended for adherents to take a break from work and reserve time for worship and other religious rituals. The origins of the Sabbath come from the Biblical story of Creation, where God rested on the seventh day. Observation of this day of rest is emphasized as one of the Ten Commandments in the Jewish Torah and the Christian Bible: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” The concept of the Sabbath isn’t unique to Judeo-Christian society. Let’s discuss days of rest and worship in some of the world’s faiths.
Days of Rest in Religions of the World: The Abrahamic Approach
Christianity and Judaism are Abrahamic religions, based on the God of the patriarchal figure Abraham. Jews generally observe Shabbat from sundown Friday until Saturday night, typically the seventh day of a week that goes from Sunday to Saturday. Practicing Jews will eat special meals and contemplate Biblical stories such as Creation and the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Some Christian denominations and sects, such as Seventh-day Adventists, also observe the Sabbath on Saturday, choosing that day to assemble for worship. Most Christian denominations use Sunday as a day of rest and worship.
It should come as little surprise that followers of Islam, also an Abrahamic religion, observe a special day of the week for worship. While Muslims are supposed to pray five times each day, they also meet for congregational prayers each Friday at noon. These midday prayers are called Jumah, and believers are encouraged to meet at mosques to participate. Other prayers can be done at home alone or with other worshippers. Men and women usually pray separately. In the Baháʼí faith, the week begins on Saturday and ends on Friday. Friday is the day of rest for this Abrahamic faith.
Days of Rest in Religions of the World: The Way of Buddha
While Buddhists don’t have a weekly day of worship, some observe a day of rest known as Uposatha. According to Buddhist principles, this day is for the “cleansing of the defiled mind” to restore inner calm and joy. Uposatha is not scheduled for a particular day of the week but rather a couple of days within each lunar month. Some adherents spend the day meditating on and discussing Buddhist teachers. They may attend a temple or observe Uposatha in their homes.
Rest Days According to the Cherokee
The Cherokee recognize the first day of the new moon as a time of quiet reflection and prayer. While this day changes each month, members of the Cherokee typically refrain from work and other activities such as preparing food and having sex. Many will also fast during this time. These new moon days are sometimes referred to as “non-days” or “un-time.” The first new moon day of the fall is the Cherokee new year, and it is celebrated as the “great new moon” or the “Hunting Moon.”
Wiccan Worship
Wiccans and neopagans don’t observe a weekly sabbath, but rather eight sabbaths at equally spaced intervals throughout the year. These sabbaths occur on the equinoxes and solstices and the halfway points between them. Participants usually engage in various seasonal festivals and celebrations. Samhain, one of these sabbaths, coincides with Halloween and is noted as the first of the year. Yule, another sabbath, takes place around the winter solstice. The Christmas holiday and many of its traditions originate with Yule. You may recognize the concept of Yule from “Deck the Halls” lyrics: “See the blazing Yule before us…” and “…while I tell of Yuletide treasure.”
While the world’s various belief systems vary, they share some commonalities. The concept of a day of rest to worship or practice other rituals transcends cultures. Whether it’s Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, a break from work and other duties is not only practical but also spiritual.