Boulder Tuesday, Foxy Lady!
WHAT is a Boulder Tuesday? For that matter what is Tuesday?? I did what any curious person would do. in the year 2024. I went to the “library” and researched “Tuesday.” I was a bit in awe at the significance of the day, and will share some of the highlights. Of course I use the word “library” in the current context, not in the “repository of books” context. That has special significance for me, having worked in school “old style” libraries starting in grade school. Working in the law school library was an amazing learning experience. By having to shelve books I was exposed to the existence of various books from treatises to periodicals which I otherwise would have remained completely unaware of. I discovered that my first year property professor, David Haber, was not the strict old-school didactic professor straight out of the Paper Chase. I about dropped the book along with my jaw when I re-shelved his thick volume on Civil Rights Law. I NEVER would have guessed that he had penned such a work. We spent the first 3 weeks of Property studying ONE CASE! We were learning how to read a case. I believe that the key to the case was contained in footnote 14. The lesson was in part that even a footnote could not be overlooked when reading a case.
To get back on topic, studying that one case encompassed at least two Tuesdays.
A fight over a fox pelt from a fox hunt on Long Island, NY, bankrupted 2 families and stretched over 3 generations. Professor Haber wore his fox tie every day during that invaluable deep dive into property law. Almost 50 years later I remember that the case ultimately hinged on the difference between domesticated animals and feral animals. I don’t remember what happened to the pelt. I do remember the Latin for the two groups of animals.
I found the historical and cultural significance to be fascinating!
- Ancient Rome: Tuesday is named after Mars, the Roman god of war, reflecting its association with Mars, both the planet and the deity. The Latin name for Tuesday, “Martis dies,” means “Mars’s Day.” This association reflects themes of strength, courage, and combat.
- Norse Mythology: In languages with Germanic roots, like English, Tuesday is named after Tyr (or Tiw), a Norse god associated with war and sky. “Tuesday” comes from “Tiw’s Day.” Tyr was known for his courage and law-giving, reflecting themes of justice and battle.
With that in mind, have a wonderful Tuesday!
Lensworth
Shared Knowledge is Power!