Story: Years ago the day to set your clock back was the last weekend of October. I remember as a kid this was the case. I can’t remember exactly when it changed to the first Sunday in November, I think I was in seventh or eighth grade, but it changed. The reason it changed was lobbying from the candy companies. Because Halloween would sometimes fall on a Saturday or Sunday kids would have one less hour to go around to houses. So candy companies got the change.
Even if it isn’t true, which I am pretty sure it is, I love that story because it proves we don’t need to fall back or spring forward in the first place. It is arbitrary and unnecessary.
Another fun story. I have a Korean friend who lived in South Korea (she is now going to school in Australia) where the time is 14 hours ahead of the United States…most of the year. When we observe this ridiculous ritual South Korea is then 15 hours ahead of us. The first time I explained this to my friend she was super confused. (Side note: The U.S. is not the only one with strange time issues. The providence/state/territory, not sure which it is called, she lives in in Australia is 15 and one half hour ahead of the U.S.)
Picture above is from my phone. I do 24 hour or military time because she does (as does a lot of the world) and so it is easier to talk about morning verses afternoon.
Regardless of my feeling about the time change, this post is actually about the acceptance of the encroaching darkness. I hate the loss of light. I hate it more than the cold. In order of what I hate most about this time of year: Ice, Darkness, Cold, Snow
Yet, as a practitioner of Ancient Faiths, I can appreciate the beauty and necessity of the darkness. Winter is a chance for rest and renewal. It is a time to give thanks for what past Summer has given and what future Spring will bring.
Everyone needs rest. Our 24/7 365 days a year, media driven society needs rest. Now more than ever. It is unsustainable, mentally, emotionally, physically, culturally, to run continually without an off button in sight.
Winter is that off button. We need to embrace it. As much as we might not like the darkness it is the other side of light. There are lessons to be learned. Starting with rest and gratitude.