The Days of the Week
by Hans Christian Andersen · from Collected Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, there were seven days. They were always very busy! Each day had much work to do. They wanted to have a big party. But they had no free time.
Then they found a special extra day. It came only once in four years. It was called the Leap Day. This was their big chance! They could have their party then.
On Leap Day, they would all meet. They would wear fun costumes. They would eat yummy food. They would tell many happy jokes. The party would be much fun.
The special day came. Sunday arrived first. He wore a black silk cloak. He looked very special. He had a bright red flower. It was a special party flower.
Then Monday came. He was young and liked fun. He loved music and dancing. "I must dance!" he said. He would play and then work. He was a new, happy day.
Tuesday was very strong. He wore police clothes. "I help people work," he said. He watched over all. He made sure all were safe. Tuesday was a busy day.
Wednesday came next. "I am in the middle!" he said. He felt very special. Three days were before him. Three days were behind him. "I am the best day!"
Thursday walked in. He had a hammer. He had a big pot. He hit the pot. BOOM! BOOM! It made a loud noise. "I make thunder!" he said proudly.
Friday came. She was a happy girl. She was quiet and cheerful. "Today is special," she said. "I can ask a special question!" She smiled.
Saturday came last. She brought a broom. She liked to keep things clean. "I want my special soup!" she said. And she got her best soup.
All the days were joined now. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They were all at the party. The fun could at last begin!
The days were all joined. They had a very happy party! It was a special, fun day for all. They laughed and played. What a great Leap Day!
Original Story
The days of the week
A fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen
The days of the week once wanted to be free to get together and have a party. But each of the seven days was so occupied, the year around, that they had no time to spare. They wanted a whole extra day; but then they had that every four years, the intercalary day that comes in February for the purpose of keeping order in chronology.
On the intercalary day they would get together for a party, and, as February is the month of carnivals, they would come in costumes of each one's taste and choice; they would eat well, drink well, make speeches, and be complimentary and disagreeable to one another in unrestrained comradeship. While the vikings of olden times used to throw their gnawed-off bones at each other's heads during mealtime, the days of the week intended to throw jokes and sarcastic witticisms such as might be in keeping with the innocent carnival spirit.
So when it was intercalary day, they assembled.
Sunday, foreman of the days of the week, appeared in a black silk cloak; pious people thought he was dressed for church in a minister's gown, but the worldly minded saw that he was attired in a domino for merriment and that the flashing carnation he wore in his buttonhole was a little red theater lantern on which it said, "All sold our; see now that you enjoy yourselves!"
Monday, a young fellow related to Sunday, and very fond of pleasures, came next. He left his workshop, he said, whenever he heard the music of the parade of the guard.
"I must go out and listen to Offenbach's music; it doesn't go to my head or to my heart; it tickles my leg muscles; I must dance, have a few drinks, get a black eye, sleep it off, and then the next day go to work. I am the new part of the week!"
Tuesday is Tyr's day, the day of strength.
"Yes, that I am," said Tuesday. "I take a firm grip on my work; I fasten Mercury's wings onto the merchant's boots, see that the wheels in the factory are oiled and turning, that the tailor sits at his table, and that the street paver is by his paving stones; each attends to his business, for I keep my eye on all. Accordingly, I am here in a police uniform and call myself Tuesday, a well-used day! If this is a bad joke, then you others try to think of a better one!"
"Then I come," said Wednesday. "I'm in the middle of the week. The Germans call me Herr Mittwoch. I stand like a journeyman in a store and like a flower in the midst of the other esteemed days of the week! If we all march up in order, then I have three days before me and three days behind; they are like an honor guard, so I should think that I am the most prominent day in the week!"
Thursday appeared dressed as a coppersmith, with a hammer and a copper kettle, as a symbol of his noble descent.
"I am of the highest birth," he said, "paganish, godlike! In the Northern countries I am named after Thor, and in the Southern countries after Jupiter, who both knew how to thunder and lighten, and that has remained in the family!"
And then he beat his copper kettle, thereby proving his high birth.
Friday was dressed as a young girl, and called herself Freia, also Venus for a change, depending upon the language of the country in which she appeared. She was of a quiet, cheerful character, she said, but today she felt gay and free, for this was intercalary day, which, according to an old custom, gives a woman the right to dare propose to a man and not have to wait for him to propose to her.
Saturday appeared as an old housekeeper with a broom and other cleaning articles. Her favorite dish was beer soup, though at this festive occasion she did not request that it be served for everyone, only that she get it, and she got it.
And so the days of the week had their party.
Here they are in print, all seven of them, ready for use as tableaux at family parties. There you can make them as funny as you wish; we give them here as a joke on February, the only month with an extra day.
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Story DNA
Plot Summary
The seven days of the week, usually too busy with their duties, long for a chance to gather and celebrate. They decide to use the rare intercalary day (leap day) for a costume party. Each day arrives, dressed in an outfit and delivering a speech that reflects their unique character, historical associations, and perceived importance. From Sunday's dual nature to Saturday's domesticity, they all assemble for their festive occasion, with the narrator suggesting the scene can be re-enacted for humorous family entertainment.
Themes
Emotional Arc
neutral to celebratory
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Andersen often incorporated elements of contemporary European culture and mythology into his tales, blending the fantastical with recognizable societal norms and references. The mention of Offenbach places it firmly in the 19th century.
Plot Beats (12)
- The seven days of the week are always busy and wish for a free day to party.
- They realize the intercalary day (leap day) every four years is their chance.
- They plan to gather on this day, dressed in costumes, for a festive meal with jokes and wit.
- Sunday arrives, dressed in black silk, interpreted as either pious or playful.
- Monday, a pleasure-seeker, arrives, explaining his love for music and dancing before work.
- Tuesday, the day of strength, appears in a police uniform, overseeing work and asserting his importance.
- Wednesday, the middle day, boasts of his central position and honor guard of other days.
- Thursday, of noble, pagan descent, arrives as a coppersmith, thundering on his kettle.
- Friday, a quiet but cheerful girl, comes as Freia/Venus, celebrating the leap day tradition allowing women to propose.
- Saturday, an old housekeeper, arrives with cleaning tools and requests her favorite beer soup.
- All the days are assembled, and their party begins.
- The narrator suggests the scene can be used as a tableau for family entertainment, highlighting the humor of February's extra day.
Characters
Sunday ◆ supporting
Dressed in black
Attire: Black silk cloak, flashing carnation in buttonhole (a little red theater lantern)
Foreman-like, enjoys merriment but with a hint of piety
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman in her early twenties with a gentle, kind expression and soft hazel eyes. She has long, wavy chestnut hair partially tied back with a simple ribbon. She wears a practical, light blue linen dress with a white apron, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her posture is open and welcoming, one hand slightly extended as if offering help. She stands barefoot on soft grass, a few wildflowers at her feet. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Monday ◆ supporting
Fond of pleasures
Attire: Implied to be work clothes, but ready to party
Pleasure-loving, impulsive, enjoys music and dancing
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult female with auburn hair in loose braids, dressed in a green tunic and brown leggings, holding a basket of herbs, her expression gentle and encouraging, standing confidently with one hand on her hip. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature
Tuesday ◆ supporting
Strong
Attire: Police uniform
Firm, diligent, responsible
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman in her early twenties with a kind, gentle smile. She has long, chestnut brown hair woven into a single braid over one shoulder, with a few loose strands framing her face. She wears a simple, soft green linen dress with a white apron tied at the waist. Her posture is open and slightly leaning forward, as if offering assistance, with one hand gently extended. She has a warm, nurturing expression in her hazel eyes. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Wednesday ◆ supporting
In the middle
Attire: Journeyman's attire
Modest, self-important, considers himself prominent
Image Prompt & Upload
A young peasant girl in her late teens with a solemn expression. She has long, dark brown hair tied in a simple braid. She wears a faded grey woolen dress with a white apron, her sleeves rolled up to the elbows. She stands with a straight posture, holding a wooden bucket in one hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Thursday ◆ supporting
Of high birth
Attire: Coppersmith's attire
Boastful, proud of his heritage, loud
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult woman with a warm, welcoming smile and kind eyes. Her hair is a soft chestnut brown, styled in a practical braid that rests over one shoulder. She wears a comfortable, layered tunic in muted earth tones of moss green and warm brown, cinched with a simple leather belt. Her posture is relaxed but attentive, leaning slightly forward with one hand extended as if offering help. She stands firmly on her feet, wearing sturdy leather boots. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Friday ◆ supporting
Quiet, cheerful
Attire: Young girl's dress, perhaps adorned with flowers
Quiet, cheerful, but daring on intercalary day
Image Prompt & Upload
A woman in her early 30s with auburn hair flowing over her shoulders, wearing an elegant yet simple forest-green gown adorned with subtle leaf patterns. Her expression is calm and reassuring, with a slight smile. She stands tall with hands gently extended, palms up, as if offering assistance. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Saturday ◆ supporting
Old housekeeper
Attire: Housekeeper's attire, apron
Practical, enjoys simple comforts, focused on cleaning
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl around eight years old with a warm, eager smile, her auburn hair in two neat braids tied with yellow ribbons. She wears a practical, knee-length dress of soft blue linen with puffed sleeves and a white pinafore, clean but with a small grass stain on the hem. Her sturdy brown leather shoes are scuffed from play. She stands straight with a helpful posture, holding a woven basket filled with wildflowers in one hand, the other hand slightly outstretched as if offering assistance. Her eyes are bright and attentive. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Intercalary Day Party Venue
A festive gathering place, richly decorated for a carnival, with space for eating, drinking, speeches, and unrestrained comradeship.
Mood: Jovial, boisterous, and celebratory, with a spirit of playful mockery and freedom.
The days of the week assemble to celebrate their rare day off, engaging in jokes, speeches, and revelry.
Image Prompt & Upload
Evening twilight settles over a whimsical, half-timbered village square, the air warm and festive. Hundreds of glowing paper lanterns in jewel tones of ruby, sapphire, and amber are strung between crooked wooden beams, casting a magical, dancing light. Long rustic tables laden with pies, bread, and tankards fill the cobblestone center. Colorful fabric awnings and banners flutter from balconies draped with garlands of wildflowers and ivy. A small wooden stage stands ready for speeches, framed by flowering window boxes. The atmosphere is one of joyful, unrestrained celebration under the first appearing stars. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Sunday's Church (Implied)
A place of worship, possibly grand and imposing, where Sunday might be mistaken for a minister.
Mood: Pious, solemn, and respectful, in contrast to the carnival atmosphere.
Referenced as a place where pious people might mistake Sunday's costume.
Image Prompt & Upload
A grand Gothic cathedral of weathered grey stone, its spires piercing a twilight sky streaked with lavender and gold. Enormous rose windows glow with an inner, ethereal light, casting long, colorful beams across the empty cobblestone plaza. Deep shadows cling to the arched entrance and flying buttresses, while delicate ivy climbs the ancient walls. The air is still and reverent, with a single, ornate iron lantern flickering by the massive oak doors. The scene is majestic, silent, and imbued with a sense of quiet, watchful presence. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Monday's Workshop
A place of labor and industry, which Monday gladly abandons for the pleasures of the carnival.
Mood: Busy, industrious, and perhaps somewhat monotonous.
Monday leaves this place to join the carnival.
Image Prompt & Upload
Late afternoon light slants through a dusty window of an abandoned workshop. Wooden workbenches are cluttered with half-finished clockwork mechanisms, scattered brass gears, and coiled springs. A layer of fine dust coats every surface, softening the edges of tools hanging on the wall. Shafts of golden light illuminate floating dust motes. Through the grimy window, a distant, warm glow of carnival lights is faintly visible, casting a subtle, colorful reflection on a discarded wrench. The atmosphere is quiet, still, and slightly melancholic, with muted tones of brown, gray, and dull metal, contrasted by the distant promise of vibrant color. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
