In Genesis 10:3, with Riphath and Togarmah, signifies so many doctrinals which were rituals derived from external worship. (Arcana Coelestia 1154)

Askenas, in Jeremiah 51:27, denotes idolatrous worship, or external worship separate from internal.

Like other descriptions of time in the Word, "a day" or a number of "days" describe a spiritual state rather than our natural concept of time. A spiritual "day" describes a state of mind or a state in our relationship with the Lord rather than a 12-hour or 24-hour span of natural time. "Day" describes a state in which we are turned toward the Lord, and are receiving light (which is truth) and heat (which is a desire for good) from the Lord.