Kathry Herman, aged 11, of Lancaster, Penna., for her question:

How did the days of the week get their names?

The names of our days came to us from the Saxons and Norsemen of ancient Europe. At one time the name of each day may have stood for both a tribal god and a heavenly body. Seven, to these early people, was a magic number. So they allotted seven days to a week.

Sunday, of course, was the day sacred to the golden sun. Monday was the day to pay homage to the moon. Tuesday was named for Tiw, the Norse god of war. Wednesday was Woden's day, Woden was the messenger god who corresponded to the Roman Mercury.

Thursday was Thorns day the hero god of the thunderbolts. Friday was sacred to Freya, the Norse goddess of beauty. And Saturday was named for Saturn, the deposed old king of the tribal gods.