Ever wonder where this T.G.I.F. ("Thank God It's Friday") catchphrase originated?
This brings us to the next question...Back in the early 1970s, the Akron, Ohio-based disk jockey Jerry Healy from WAKR radio station was the one who first coined that catchphrase. It later became synonymous to working people in the United States as a common expression of relief at the end of the work week and anticipation of relaxing or partying over the weekend!
While TGIF is a most familiar acronym, has this day always represented the "end" of the work week?
The luxury surrounding the weekend as we know it today has NOT always been the case. The work week designated as Monday through Saturday encompassed work, especially on farms, starting before the sun came up and ending when the last speck of the sun fell below the horizon. In other words, from sunup to sundown. Jobs, 'back in the day' consisted of positions such as the following with some, not all, still being prevalent in the 21st century:
tinker, tailor, grocer, baker, veterinarian, cobbler, weaver, iron worker, brickmaker, potter, doctor, wagon maker, carriage maker, milliner, dressmaker, cook, scullery maid, housemaid, butler, clerk, carpenter, general laborer, barrister, wagon/carriage driver, footman, builder, tin maker, priest, alms house worker, prison guard, constable, tobacconist...anything pre-industrial revolution
Up until the 19th century, the Sabbath was the only day regarded as a “day off” from work. Even on this day, leisure time was not solely of one's choice. This day was a day of fellowship with most of its time spent in church. Most importantly is to consider the time...
Before TV, Nineteenth Century
In the early
years of the century
The “weekend”
positively was born
Saturday afternoons plus Sundays off
Provided relief
for the forlorn
Souvenir programme for Ruy Blas and the Blasé Roué, a Victorian burlesque |
Bustled with music and vibe
Travesty known
as burlesque
Candy pull St Nicholas 1882 |
An occasional
“candy-pull”
Nut-cracking,
corn-popping fun
Imbued family
time with mirth
’Til
apple-roasting was done
Buffalo Bill's wild west and congress of rough riders of the world - Circus poster showing Buffalo Bill's congress of rough riders and Cuban insurgents in battle. c.1898 |
Captured more
than an audience’s ear
Reviving an
enduring spirit
Throughout the western
frontier
Evolved the
Philadelphia Zoo
Ten to
twenty-five cents admission
Brought exotic animals
into view
Marionette from Tiller family marionette company, 1870s-1890s |
Tendered fun at any time
Christmas, the
heart of the holidays
Pioneered Santa’s
first climb
American theatre
greatly changed
Fads, fashion,
and affluence
©2012 Awakenings
Have a GREAT weekend!
Please note..his name is spelled Healey.
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