Hi Sarah,

Great question, I have been told that the colors of the days of the week have to do with the planets, and have planned to research it a bit more myself. I will publish it here when I do!

Thanks for asking,

Nell

I’m wondering the rationale/intentionality behind the the order of colors for the days of the week and why they are in a order than the colors of the rainbow. I imagine there is an answer, I just can’t find it ANYWHERE I have looked.

Thanks,
Sarah

Thank you Charmane for your thoughtful comments. Your insights as a Waldorf educator are very informative. I am aware of the daily planets (and grains), but did not know that they were the reason for the colors of the week. That makes perfect sense, thank you! I always appreciate learning more about Steiner and Waldorf education by those that have been committed to it for as long as you have. Thank you for your awareness. Finding direct answers to the questions I seek about Waldorf education is often like finding a needle in a haystack. Sometimes I will read an entire lecture just to find the answer to one question that I have!

Thanks again for your comments,

Nell

Just realized I didn’t explain “how” the moon “acts light (purply) black light.” Ever notice how white things seem to glow in full moonlight (as long as no artificial light is interfering)? Black light sure does the same thing to the white shoelaces on my sneakers, just even more so…

The reasons the colors are as they are is actually based upon the names of the days of the week (but in Latin). The Latin days of the weeks were named for the 7 known “planets” visible to the naked eye (“planet” refers to a moving “star” or celestial “body,” because the ancient world did not see these bodies in the sky as they are now seen in mainstream/current times). The sun is white at high noon. The moon acts a lot like “black light” (those bulb often look purple; indeed it is largely “ultraviolet A”). Tuesday is “Mardi” in French and “Martes” in Spanish, named for Mars, the “red planet.” Etc. The symbolic significances are traditional to Western civilization. I’ve heard Steiner recommended different colors (than Westerners would expect) for different cultures (Hindu, Somali, etc.) because color symbolism is different. This symbolism “should” have made the memorization of the weekly colors easier for adults. If you knew the planets associated with the days, the color-associations would be more intuitive, perhaps even obvious! One of the more “philosophical” benefits of the “colors of the day” is that it can give “leaps” of insight into “why” a lot of things are the way they are, including why a play might be costumed and lit with a tri-chromatic color-scheme, or why certain colors might be used in a particular poet’s poem. Color is hugely versatile. You can keep it light and fun, or the more “broody” among us can turn to them to glean clues to “Life’s secrets.” I’m sorry I don’t have sources to cite for this information. I’ve worked amidst Steiner education since 2002, and I’m in the process of moving, so all my Steiner/Waldorf books are boxed up. I only found this blog as I was searching online for aprons to wear to work, and I thought it might be fun to see if any Waldorfy types made or sold such things… Just couldn’t help answering…

Hi Nicola!

I have often wondered the same thing, and have not found an answer. I wondered why it did not go in rainbow order and searched for Steiner’s original thoughts to learn why, but never found them. I have also asked a few Waldorf instructors and so far, no one knows for sure. I do know that Rudolf Steiner studied color and worked to expand upon Goethe’s theory on color, and the placement on the color wheel may have something to do with it? If you ever find out, please come back and comment again to let me know!

Your welcome! Using the color of the day makes life so much more colorful and fun! Enjoy!

Thanks, Mervin! So glad you approve!