Anglo-Saxons in Britain

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Anglo Saxon Religion

Days of the week

The Anglo-Saxons were pagans when they came to Britain, but, as time passed, they gradually converted to Christianity. Many of the customs we have in England today come from pagan festivals.

Pagans worshiped lots of different gods. Each pagan god controlled a particular part of everyday life: the family, growing crops, love, healing, wisdom, metalworking, the weather, war, day & night and so on.

Religion was a means of ensuring success in material things. For example, you might pray to a particular goddess for a successful harvest, or for victory in battle.

Days of the Week
Certain days of the week are named after early Saxon Gods.

Monandæg ( Moon's day - the day of the moon ),
Tiwesdæg ( Tiw's-day - the day of the Scandinavian sky god Tiw,Tiu or Tig),
Wodnesdæg ( Woden's day - the day of the god Woden (Othin) ),
Ðunresdæg ( Thor's Day - the day of the god Ðunor or Thunor ),
Frigedæg ( Freyja's day - the day of the goddess Freyja or Frigg, wife to Woden),
Sæternesdæg ( Saturn's day - the day of the Roman god Saturn, whose festival "Saturnalia," with its exchange of gifts, has been incorporated into our celebration of Christmas.),
Sunnandæg ( Sun's day - the day of the sun ).

From Pagan to Christianity
About 1400 years ago, the Pope in Rome sent a missionary to England to persuade the Anglo-Saxons to become Christians.

The leader of the Christian Church was the Pope, who lived in Rome. The Pope sent a monk called Augustine to England. Augustine landed in the south and converted the first King Ethelbert of Kent, and then the people living there. The Pope made Augustine a Bishop and Ethelbert allowed him to build a church in Canterbury.

Christianity then spread to other parts of Britain. The pope gave orders that pagan temples should be converted into Christian ones and that pagan celebrations should also be made into Christian ones.

Churches, usually built of wood, were built in Saxon villages all over Britain.

Who were the Anglo-Saxons? Who?

When did the Anglo-Saxons invade Britain? When? ....... Anglo Saxon Timeline

Why did Anglo-Saxons invade Britain? Why ?

How long did the Anglo-Saxons stay in England? How long ?

Where did the Anglo-Saxons Settle in Britain? - Settle

What Anglo Saxon Place names still exist today? - Place names

What Religion did the Anglo-Saxons follow? - Religion

Where do the names of the days of the week originate from?

Why is Sutton Hoo famous? Sutton Hoo

What were Anglo Saxon villages and houses like? Saxon Houses and Villages

What did the Anglo-Saxons Eat and Drink? Food and Drink

Who invaded England after the Anglo-Saxons? Who invaded next?

Who was the last Anglo Saxon King and where did he die? Last Saxon King