Monday’s Child: Day of the Week Poem and Your Child’s Personality (2025)

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Can the day of the week your child was born predict their personality? According to the traditional nursery rhyme “Monday’s Child,” it just might. Versions of this poem have been passed down for generations, giving parents a whimsical glimpse into their child’s character.

While it’s not exactly scientific, humans have long been fascinated with finding meaning in birthdays—through astrological signs, birth locations, and yes, even the day of the week. The “Monday’s Child” rhyme dates back to at least the 19th century and is one of the most beloved examples of this tradition.

So, was this original day of the week poem simply a clever way for children to learn the days of the week, or is there something more to it?


How to Find Your Day of the Week

To discover the day of the week you or your child was born on, use this handy calculator based on Zeller’s Algorithm. Just plug in the birth date, and voilà—the day appears! (Once you know the day, you might want to reflect on your child’s personality—or even start planning their nursery to match their unique traits! Check out our curated guides to the best Baby Girl Nursery Themes or Baby Boy Nursery Themes you’ll love for inspiration.

The Original Poem

The earliest known version of “Monday’s Child” was published in Traditions of Devonshire by A.E. Bray in 1838. Here’s the traditional rhyme:

Monday’s Child
Monday’s child is fair of face,
Tuesday’s child is full of grace,
Wednesday’s child is full of woe,
Thursday’s child has far to go,
Friday’s child is loving and giving,
Saturday’s child works hard for a living,
And the child born on the Sabbath day
Is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.

Despite its simplicity, this rhyme has captivated parents for centuries, inspiring interpretations, variations, and even modern adaptations. Let’s explore what each day of the week signifies.

If you’re preparing for a new addition to your family, this poem pairs perfectly with thoughtful nursery planning. Discover Gender Neutral Nursery Themes you’ll love and the Best Books for Your Baby’s Nursery to create a warm and inviting space for your little one.i

Day-by-Day Personality Traits

Monday’s Child: Fair of Face

Monday-born children are associated with beauty and charm. To be “fair of face” suggests loveliness, making this line a favorite among parents (who often think their kids are adorable anyway!). Some versions interpret this as a sign of health or good fortune, while others humorously suggest it might lead to vanity.


Tuesday’s Child: Full of Grace

Graceful, refined, and courteous, Tuesday’s child is believed to have a special poise. In some interpretations, they’re “full of God’s grace,” symbolizing faith and spiritual connection. Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman even wrote a song about this idea, highlighting the role of grace in everyday life.


Wednesday’s Child: Full of Woe

Despite the gloomy descriptor, Wednesday-born children are often thought to be deeply empathetic. They carry the weight of the world but use this sensitivity to connect with and help others. A fun modern example? Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family.


Thursday’s Child: Far to Go

This line offers room for interpretation. Optimistically, it suggests a long and successful life, full of achievement and adventure. Alternatively, it could imply a challenging journey ahead. Either way, Thursday’s child is on the move.


Friday’s Child: Loving and Giving

Friday-born children are affectionate, generous, and loyal. While some versions of the poem describe Friday as unlucky (due to its association with the crucifixion in Christian tradition), others emphasize their faithfulness and ability to thrive where they’re planted.


Saturday’s Child: Hardworking

Saturday’s child is known for their strong work ethic. They are diligent and reliable, making meaningful contributions to society. While this could imply a life of hard labor, it’s often seen as a testament to their dedication and passion for their work.


Sunday’s Child: Bonny and Blithe

Born on the traditional Sabbath, Sunday’s child is thought to be joyful, attractive, and blessed. Historically, this day has been considered lucky, and Sunday-born children are often seen as naturally fortunate and wise.

Variations of the Poem

If the original doesn’t resonate, don’t worry! Here are a few alternate versions of the rhyme that may suit your perspective:

Variation 1

Sunday’s child is full of grace
Monday’s child is full in the face
Tuesday’s child is solemn and sad
Wednesday’s child is merry and glad
Thursday’s child is inclined and thieving
Friday’s child is free in giving
Saturday’s child works hard for a living

Variation 2

Born on Monday, fair of face;
Born on Tuesday, full of grace;
Born on Wednesday, merry and glad;
Born on Thursday, wise and sad;
Born on Friday, Godly given;
Born on Saturday, earn a good living;
Born on Sunday, blithe and gay

Variation 3

Sunday’s child is full of grace,
Monday’s child is fair of face;
Tuesday’s child loves to race,
Wednesday’s child is kind of heart;
Thursday’s child is very smart,
Friday’s child will never part;
Saturday’s child is good of heart

Variation 4

Born of a Monday, Fair in face;
Born on a Tuesday, Full of God’s grace;
Born of a Wednesday, Merry and glad;
Born of a Thursday, Sour and sad;
Born of a Friday, Godly given;
Born of a Saturday, Work for your living;
Born of a Sunday. Never shall we want;
So there ends the week, And there’s an end on’t.

Variation 5

Born of a Monday, Fair in face;
Born on a Tuesday, Full of God’s grace;
Born on Wednesday, Sour and sad;
Born on Thursday, Merry and glad;
Born on a Friday, Worthily given;
Born on Saturday, Work hard for your living;
Born on Sunday, You will never know want.

Variation 6

Monday for health,
Tuesday for wealth,
Wednesday best day of all,
Thursday for crosses,
Friday for losses,
Saturday no luck at all.
He who’s born on the day of rest
In health and fortunes has the best.


A Modern Take on the Rhyme

Humorist Bruce Larkin offered a playful parody of the traditional “Monday’s Child” poem, focusing on childhood ailments instead of personality traits:

Monday’s Child is Ill
Monday’s child is ill, I’m told.
Tuesday’s child has caught a cold.
Wednesday’s child is down with the flu.
Thursday’s child is feeling blue.
Friday’s child can’t eat any food.
Saturday’s child is in a foul mood.
And the child that’s born on the seventh day
Is the only child that feels okay.

It’s a lighthearted reminder not to take these rhymes too seriously!


Days of the Week Song

For a modern twist, here’s a cheerful song that helps kids learn the days of the week, sung to the tune of the Addams Family theme:

Days of the Week (snap, snap)
Days of the Week (snap, snap)
Days of the Week, Days of the Week, Days of the Week! (snap, snap)

There’s Sunday and there’s Monday,
There’s Tuesday and there’s Wednesday,
There’s Thursday and there’s Friday,
And then there’s Saturday!

Days of the Week (snap, snap)
Days of the Week (snap, snap)
Days of the Week, Days of the Week, Days of the Week! (snap, snap)


Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re using this rhyme as a whimsical tradition or simply enjoying its charm, it’s a fun way to celebrate your child’s unique personality. If poetry is your thing, you might also enjoy sharing themed verses with your little ones. Take a look at Valentine’s Day Poems for Kids for heartwarming ideas to brighten your family’s special moments.

Whether it’s predicting personality, sneezes, or wedding fortunes, these quirky rhymes reflect humanity’s long-standing fascination with finding meaning in everyday life. So, do you think there’s any truth to them, or are they just charming nonsense? Let us know your thoughts!


FAQ: Monday’s Child Poem

What is the “Monday’s Child” poem?

The “Monday’s Child” poem is a traditional nursery rhyme that associates personality traits with the day of the week a child is born. It first appeared in Traditions of Devonshire by A.E. Bray in 1838 and has been passed down through generations.

How do I find out what day of the week I was born on?

You can use this Day of the Week Calculator. Just enter your birth date, and it will tell you the day of the week. The calculator uses Zeller’s Algorithm, which works for any date between 1582 and 4902.

What does each day of the week signify in the Monday’s Child poem?

Here’s a quick summary of the personality traits associated with each day:
Monday: Fair of face (beauty and charm)
Tuesday: Full of grace (poise and kindness)
Wednesday: Full of woe (empathy and sensitivity)
Thursday: Has far to go (ambition and potential)
Friday: Loving and giving (affection and generosity)
Saturday: Works hard for a living (diligence and dedication)
Sunday: Bonny and blithe (joyful and fortunate)

4. Are there variations of the Monday’s Child Day of the Week poem?

Yes! Over the years, many versions of the poem have emerged, with slight differences in wording and interpretations. Some versions even switch the traits of specific days or add religious and cultural elements.

5. Is the Monday’s Child poem scientifically accurate?

Not at all. The poem is purely whimsical and not based on scientific evidence. It’s more of a fun tradition than a predictive tool, so take its meanings with a grain of salt.

What Is the Best Day to Get Married?

For centuries, people have turned to traditions and superstitions to decide on the “best” day for important life events—including weddings.
According to a poem published in Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 25, these are the predictions for choosing a wedding day:
Monday for health,
Tuesday for wealth,
Wednesday the best day of all,
Thursday for losses,
Friday for crosses,
Saturday no day at all.

What Is the Best Day for Sneezing?

Believe it or not, even sneezing has been the subject of traditional rhymes! Here’s a classic version that ties your sneezes to fortune:
Sneeze on a Monday, you sneeze for danger;
Sneeze on a Tuesday, you kiss a stranger;
Sneeze on a Wednesday, you receive a letter;
Sneeze on a Thursday, you’ll get something better;
Sneeze on a Friday, expect great sorrow;
Sneeze on a Saturday, meet a sweetheart tomorrow;
Sneeze on a Sunday, your safety seek—
The devil will chase you the whole of the week.

What Is the Best Day for Cutting Nails?

One of the most peculiar day-related traditions comes from Elizabethan writer Thomas Nashe, who warned about nail-cutting superstitions. According to his rhyme:
Cut your nails Monday, you cut them for news;
Cut them on Tuesday, a pair of new shoes;
Cut them on Wednesday, you cut them for health;
Cut them on Thursday, ’twill add to your wealth;
Cut them on Friday, you cut them for woe;
Cut them on Saturday, a journey you’ll go;
Cut them on Sunday, you cut them for evil—
All the week long, you’ll be ruled by the devil.
This one’s a little absurd—but hey, maybe avoid trimming on Sundays, just in case?

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